In their most recent meeting, the World Intellectual Property Organization’s (WIPO) member states agrees to develop and come to an agreement on two topics, a new design treaty and a treaty on Genetic Resources (such as animals plants and micro-organisms) in IP, no later than 2024.
The Design Law Treaty seeks to help designers achieve protection for their designs faster, cheaper and easier, both in their home countries and when applying for protection abroad. To achieve these goals, the treaty will streamline the processes involved in applying for registration, as well as removing red tape.
The proponents for the treaty relating to Genetic Resources in IP argue that it would harmonize diverse national systems, foster the sustainable development of indigenous and local communities, provide legal certainty and predictability for businesses, and improve the quality, effectiveness and transparency of the patent system.
Link to WIPO’s Press Release: https://www.wipo.int/pressroom/en/articles/2022/article_0009.html
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