WTO - The Doha Round

The current, Doha, round of trade negotiations contain few intellectual property issues other than those related to public health, which have been described in a separate item in this Newsletter. However, significant issues which are under consideration include the possible creation of an international register for geographical indications of origin, and of a higher degree of protection for geographical indications of origin and a review of the provisions of TRIPs relating to the patentability of plants and animals. On the latter, a key issue is the relationship of TRIPs and other treaties relating to patents and the Rio Convention on Biodiversity. The United States is not a party to the Rio Convention. One particular point of focus is whether patent applicants should be required to disclose the country of origin of genetic material or traditional knowledge incorporated in their applications so that such countries can ensure that there was informed consent from the groups supplying such material and can thus receive fair compensation as called for by the Rio Convention.

On January 28, 2006, following the WTO ministerial meeting in Davos, it was announced that WTO intends to produce a working document on IP issues being considered in the round by July of this year.