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December 5, 2024
Malawi has become the first country to ratify the historic WIPO Treaty on IP, Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge, which was adopted on May 24, 2024, at a diplomatic conference organized by WIPO in Geneva. This is the first WIPO Treaty that addresses the interface between intellectual property, genetic resources and traditional knowledge.
Although there are 38 WIPO member states that have signed the Treaty, it merely shows the intent to pursue ratification. Signing on its own does not make the treaty legally binding. Ratification is the process by which a country formally consents to be bound by the Treaty. Upon ratification, the treaty becomes legally binding for the country that ratifies it, provided that it has entered into force. The Treaty will enter into force following 15 instruments of ratification or accession are presented to WIPO.
For further details on the nature of the Treaty and to gain access to the actual Treaty, please see the press release.