Future WIPO Treaty on Patent Disclosure Requirements for Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge (GRATK)
Diplomatic Conference on Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge (GRATK)
World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), Geneva, 13–24 May 2024.
This Diplomatic Conference is the final stage of negotiations before the adoption of an international legal instrument (treaty) which aims to “prevent patents from being granted erroneously for inventions that are not novel or inventive with regard to genetic resources [GR] and traditional knowledge [TK] associated with genetic resources”. Depending on how the negotiations go, this new treaty could become a powerful tool to protect the rights of indigenous peoples, local communities, Nature, and the conservation of ecosystems and cultures.
Our Position Paper (Jan. 2024)
2024 Diplomatic Conference
Because no country proposed to host the final negotiations, it was decided that they will take place from 13 to 24 May 2024, 10h–22h, at the headquarters of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), Geneva, Switzerland.
GRATK Diplomatic Conference
YOUR SUPPORT IS NEEDED to fund the civil society delegation to the Diplomatic Conference
Our team of senior advocates has been following the work leading to this treaty since 2018.
Support us to be able to attend the Diplomatic Conference in Geneva (May 13–May 24).
Advocacy & Action
The Cannabis Embassy collaborates with FAAAT think & do tank (Forum Drugs Mediterranean), a non-profit organisation with observer status at the WIPO Intergovernmental Committeeon TK, GR, and folklore (IGC) since 2018, and other non-profit organisations and groups, in preparation of the Diplomatic Conference.
Position Paper (January 2024)
On 22 January 2024, we released our initial position paper on the draft GRATK treaty and the state of negotiations.
On 22 January 2024, we released our initial position paper on the draft GRATK treaty and the state of negotiations.
Our position paper was submitted to the US Federal Register consultation on 8 February 2024. We also submitted it to consultations in Australia in March 2024.
CND Side-event (March 2024)
On 21 March 2024 at the UN Office in Vienna, we organised a side-event at the 67th UN Commission on narcotic drugs focusing on Cannabis & Biopiracy, and introducing the GRATK Diplomatic Conference.
On 21 March 2024 at the UN Office in Vienna, we organised a side-event at the 67th UN Commission on narcotic drugs focusing on Cannabis & Biopiracy, and introducing the GRATK Diplomatic Conference.
UNPFII Side-event participation (April 2024)
On 26 April 2024, invited by the NGO Her Many Voices, we participated in the side-event "Indigenous the main actors of Creative Economies - Advancing Sustainable Development through Innovation and South-South Collaboration" at the 23rd session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII)
We presented the "Lab: Patenting Traditions" on the new GRATK treaty and its potential role in the development of ethical and fair policy reforms for Cannabis and other psychoactive plants and fungi.
Outreach & Consultations (April 2024)
During April and early May 2024, we are undertaking consultations with different stakeholders and collectives.
During April and early May 2024, we are undertaking consultations with different stakeholders and collectives.
On 26 April, we published an article explaining our approach:
GRATK TREATY (MAY 2024)
Cannabis Embassy Delegation at the Diplomatic Conference
Sed pede ullamcorper amet ullamcorper primis, nam pretium suspendisse neque, a phasellus sit pulvinar vel integer.
Kenzi Riboulet-Zemouli
France/Algeria | SpainUllamcorper primis, nam pretium suspendisse neque
Manu Caddie
Aotearoa-New ZealandUllamcorper primis, nam pretium suspendisse neque
Paula Graciela Khan
United States/GuatemalaUllamcorper primis, nam pretium suspendisse neque
Michael Krawitz
United StatesUllamcorper primis, nam pretium suspendisse neque
