Intergovernmental Committee (IGC)

New – Update on Covid-19

The WIPO Intergovernmental Committee on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Folklore (IGC) undertakes text-based negotiations to finalize an agreement on an international legal instrument(s) for the protection of traditional knowledge (TK), traditional cultural expressions (TCEs) and genetic resources (GRs).
View the IGC’s mandate PDF, Mandate of the IGC.

Sessions of the IGC begin with presentations by representatives from indigenous and local communities.

Delegates in discussions at the Intergovernmental Committee on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Folklore
Delegates in discussions at the IGC (Photo: WIPO/Berrod). More IGC photos on Flickr.

Featured

Video on YouTube – "The Adventures of the Yakuanoi" (Navigating TK and IP).

Latest draft provisions

Relevant IGC documents

Participating in the IGC

Information on accreditation of observers and financial support to participants through the WIPO Voluntary Fund. Observer document submissions on the protection of TK, TCEs and GRs.

Issues and consultations

Ongoing and archived consultations of IGC members and accredited observers. Key issues and gap analyses on the protection of traditional cultural expressions and traditional knowledge.

Email updates

Traditional Knowledge Updates – Regular news and resources about intellectual property & traditional knowledge; and IGC updates.

Sign up | All WIPO newsletters

Resources for participants

Rules of procedure

Outlines the general rules of procedure of WIPO.

Practical Guide

  • Registration
  • Conduct of sessions
  • Premises and room bookings
  • WIPO contacts

Background brief

Origins, rationale and achievements of the IGC.

Related links

IP & other policy topics

Information resources

Legal resources

Inside WIPO