The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has announced it will be consulting with the public, Tribes, and other Indigenous Peoples and organizations regarding whether the U.S. should sign and implement a new treaty on genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge adopted by Member States of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in May 2024.
Tribal Consultation
The consultation notice is available at Tribal Consultation on the WIPO Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge
Written Comment Deadline: Written comments on the questions in this Notice must be received by Monday, April 28, 2025.
Webinar Dates
Federally Recognized Tribes: The two virtual webinars for federally recognized Tribal Nations and their proxies will be held on Tuesday, March 18 and Wednesday, March 19, 2025, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. (eastern).
Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders: The virtual webinar for the Native Hawaiian Community, their representatives and organizations, and other Pacific Islanders will be held on Thursday, March 27, 2025, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. (eastern).
Other Tribes and Organizations: The virtual webinar for State and non-recognized Tribes, and Tribal and inter-Tribal organizations, including organizations that represent Indigenous Peoples based in the United States, will be held on Friday, March 28, 2025, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. (eastern).
Public Comments and Testimony
The consultation notice is available at Request for Comments and Testimony on the World Intellectual Property Organization Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge.
Written Comment Deadline: Written comments must be received on or before March 18, 2025.
Hybrid Hearing: The USPTO will also hold a hybrid hearing on this matter on April 29, 2025, from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-4 p.m. eastern time (ET). If necessary, the hearing may continue on April 30, 2025. Any interested parties wishing to present oral testimony at the hearing must submit a written request for an opportunity to do so no later than April 22, 2025.
