The New Kid on the Block - a treaty on intellectual property and genetic resources

For those interested in intellectual property and international rule making, a new kid is on the block! 

There is a new international treaty on intellectual property, Genetic Resources and Traditional Knowledge associated with genetic resources. Each of these terms have a special meaning and the WIPO website describes the thrust of the treaty as follows:

"The Treaty, once it enters into force with 15 contracting parties, will establish in international law a new disclosure requirement for patent applicants whose inventions are based on genetic resources and/or associated traditional knowledge."

The new treaty can be found here. 

Essentially pertaining to disclosure requirements for patents connected to genetic resources of traditional knowledge associated with genetic resources, the treaty has been heralded as a successful multilateral effort at making international law.