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• Intellectual Property Policy

• Traditional Knowledge

• WIPO

• IGC Meetings

The World Intellectual Property Organisation ("WIPO") Intergovernmental Committee on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Folklore ("the IGC") is an international policy forum to discuss intellectual property issues as they arise in relation to the protection of traditional knowledge and traditional cultural expressions (sometimes termed folklore) and access to genetic resources and benefit sharing.

The IGC has met ten times since 2001. The work of the committee [link to WIPO website] to date has included:

• policy debate,
• reports on national experiences,
• empirical surveys,
• exchange of experience of indigenous and local communities,
• analysis of legal and policy options for enhanced protection of traditional knowledge,
• crafting specific practical tools,
• development of recommendations for revision of the international patent system to take account of traditional knowledge, and
• capacity building and awareness initiatives.

The Tenth Session took place in Geneva, 30 November-8 December 2006.

If you have any queries about the IGC or New Zealand's participation in this forum please contact traditional.knowledge@med.govt.nz.

• Eleventh Session, Geneva, 3-12 July 2007
  The Eleventh Session of the WIPO-IGC will take place in Geneva on 3-12 July 2007.
• Tenth Session, Geneva, 30 November-8 December 2006
  The Tenth Session of the WIPO-IGC took place in Geneva on 30 November-8 December 2006.
• Ninth Session, Geneva, 24-28 April 2006
  The Ninth Session of the WIPO-IGC took place in Geneva on 24-28 April 2006.
• Eighth Session, Geneva, 6-10 June 2005
  The Eighth Session of the WIPO-IGC took place in Geneva on 6-10 June 2005.
• Seventh Session, Geneva, 1-5 November 2004
  The Seventh Session of the WIPO-IGC took place in Geneva on 1-5 November 2004.