IP Australia welcomes a world-first treaty for recognition of Indigenous peoples’ genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge in patents.

CANBERRA - A landmark new treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge will provide recognition of Indigenous peoples’ traditional knowledge in the international intellectual property system for the first time, according to the official website of IP Australia. 

The treaty will require patent applicants to disclose the source of genetic resources – such as plant varieties or extracts such as tree bark – and associated traditional knowledge in their applications.

The historic treaty was concluded on May 24, 2024, at the World Intellectual Property Organization diplomatic conference in Geneva, Switzerland, with IP Australia Office’s representatives playing a key role in the concluding negotiations.

IP Australia welcomes this achievement, which is the result of more than 20 years of advocacy and hard work from many people, including First Nations Australians. The new treaty will help support the cultural integrity and economic potential of Indigenous Knowledge in the IP system.

“This is long overdue recognition which provides a clearer pathway for Australia’s First Nations peoples to benefit from their genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge,” IP Australia Policy and Stakeholders Group General Manager Jodie McAlister said.

“The treaty delivers much-needed recognition of Indigenous peoples’ genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge in the patent system, and will provide more opportunities for meaningful collaboration."