The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) seeks input on how the World Intellectual Property Organization should best protect genetic resources (GR), traditional knowledge (TK) and traditional cultural expressions (TCEs) of Indigenous People, including whether such should be considered “public domain” or should receive grants or acknowledgments of exclusive rights or protections.

The Request for Comments from the USPTO presents 18 questions around these important areas concerning indigenous intellectual property rights.

A series of tribal webinars and consultations are scheduled for January 2024. Tribes and inter-tribal organizations are encouraged to submit written comments and participate in consultations. Written comments are due in February 2024

Read our client alert for complete details on webinar dates and times, including links to register.