Intergovernmental Committee on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Folklore: 21st session

At this meeting to be held in Geneva from 16-20 April, discussions will focus on an international instrument or instruments for the protection of genetic resources, traditional knowledge and traditional cultural expressions, with particular emphasis on traditional knowledge. Participants will deliberate on the basis of the draft articles for the protection of traditional knowledge. The theme of the discussion is "Community Perspectives on Traditional Medical Knowledge.” According to one of the participants, some of the TK-related issues that remain outstanding include: the definition of TK and criteria for eligibility; the definition of beneficiaries, including whether the instrument should extend beyond indigenous peoples and local communities; the scope of protection, referring to the rights the beneficiaries should have; and issues related to transboundary TK.