As part of the WIPO Intergovernmental Committee on Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Folklore, WIPO (the World Intellectual Property Organization) is compiling an on-line, searchable database of biodiversity-related access and benefit-sharing agreements or contracts, with a particular emphasis on the intellectual property (IP) aspects of such agreements. The database is intended to provide a means of promoting understanding about the range of approaches that have been taken concerning IP and genetic resources, and may be used as a practical tool for providers of genetic resources who are engaged in negotiations concerning use of their resources. Agreements in the database can, for example, be searched based on the IP clauses involved (e.g. patents, plant breeders` rights) or the applicable law (e.g. national, regional, international). See http://www.wipo.int/globalissues/databases/contracts/index.html or contact [email protected] for more information. International regulatory frameworks concerning access to plant genetic resources include the Convention on Biological Diversity (see http://www.biodiv.org) and the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (see http://www.fao.org/ag/cgrfa/itpgr.htm).

02/01/2003