On Monday, 3 March 2025, Knowledge Ecology International (KEI) delivered the following general statement at the 50th session of the WIPO Intergovernmental Committee on Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge, and Folklore.
March 3, 2025 (109 words)
It is the view of KEI that separate instruments for traditional knowledge and traditional cultural expressions are appropriate, as the issues raised are significantly different, as are the nature of protections and rights that will be considered.
We thank the Chair for noting and explaining why transparency of the negotiations are important, particularly given how few persons are able to attend these sessions in person.
Regarding the choice of hard or soft instruments, it may be useful to have a report of the national and cross border implementation of the 1976 WIPO/UNESCO model law for copyright provisions on traditional cultural expressions, as well as the experience of other earlier WIPO model laws.