The United States Patent and Trademark Office is seeking public comments and testimony regarding the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources, and Associated Traditional Knowledge (GRATK Treaty), which was adopted in May 2024. The Treaty aims to establish global rules for the protection of Indigenous Traditional Knowledge and genetic resources, particularly requiring patent applicants to disclose the origin of such resources when they are essential to an invention.

Upcoming Webinars:

• Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders: A virtual webinar for the Native Hawaiian community, their representatives, and Pacific Islanders will be held on:
• Thursday, March 27, 2025, from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. ET.
• Other Tribal Nations and Organizations: A virtual webinar for state-recognized and non-recognized Tribal Nations, as well as tribal and inter-tribal organizations (including those representing Indigenous Peoples based in the U.S.), will be held on:

Friday, March 28, 2025, from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. ET.