Quevedo & Ponce - Noticias Legales

WIPO Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources, and Associated Traditional Knowledge

The WIPO Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources, and Associated Traditional Knowledge, adopted in Geneva on May 24, 2024, establishes an international legal framework for the recognition and protection of ancestral knowledge and its impact on intellectual property and contemporary science. This instrument aims to enhance the patent system’s quality, ensuring that inventions derived from genetic resources and traditional knowledge are managed with transparency and respect for their communities of origin.

In Ecuador, both genetic resources and traditional knowledge enjoy constitutional protection, in line with the concept of ancestral knowledge recognized in Article 57 of the Ecuadorian Constitution. This provision safeguards the rights of Indigenous peoples to preserve, develop, and utilize their traditional knowledge, ensuring its legal protection against misappropriation and affirming its significance within the national legal framework.

The Disclosure Requirement: Ensuring Transparency in the Patent System

One of the Treaty’s most significant innovations is the introduction of the disclosure requirement, which aims to prevent the misappropriation of genetic resources and traditional knowledge associated with patented inventions. This mechanism ensures transparency and the proper recognition of the rights of countries and communities of origin.

When Does the Disclosure Requirement Apply?

1. For patent applications based on genetic resources: The applicant must identify and disclose the country of origin of the genetic resources used in the invention.

If the country of origin is unknown, the applicant must provide general information on the resource’s origin.

2. For patent applications based on traditional knowledge associated with genetic resources: Since such knowledge is closely linked to Indigenous peoples and specific communities, it is mandatory to recognize and disclose the community of origin of such knowledge.

This requirement promotes equity in patent management, ensuring that innovations based on these elements respect the rights of Indigenous and local communities and are subject to proper acknowledgment and consultation.

Public Disclosure of Patent Applications

The Treaty mandates that each signatory country must ensure that the disclosures made in patent applications concerning genetic resources or associated traditional knowledge are available to the public. This can be achieved through national intellectual property offices or other mechanisms deemed appropriate by each State to effectively disseminate this information.

Treaty Membership Status

As of February 2025, 40 countries have ratified the Treaty. However, Ecuador has not yet formalized its accession. Nevertheless, Ecuadorian legislation already provides protective mechanisms for these resources, allowing similar principles to be applied in patent management within the country.

At Quevedo & Ponce, we have a team of experts specializing in patents, genetic resource protection, and ancestral knowledge. We offer comprehensive legal advice on invention production, registration, protection, and compliance, ensuring that every innovation aligns with national and international legal frameworks.

If your invention involves genetic resources or traditional knowledge, we provide guidance at every stage of the process to ensure proper protection and legal compliance.

Contact us to learn more about our services and safeguard your intellectual property rights.

Más Artículos

New Labor Rights under the Organic Law on Persons with Disabilities

New Labor Rights under the Organic Law on Persons with Disabilities

The new Organic Law on Persons with Disabilities, published in July 2025, repeals the previous 2012 law and introduces significant changes in the labor sphere. It strengthens the inclusion of persons with disabilities in employment, more clearly defines the rights of substitutes and caregivers, and establishes new obligations for employers.

Nuevos derechos laborales bajo la Ley Orgánica de las Personas con Discapacidad

Nuevos derechos laborales bajo la Ley Orgánica de las Personas con Discapacidad

La nueva Ley Orgánica de las Personas con Discapacidad, publicada en julio de 2025, deroga la anterior ley de 2012 e introduce cambios importantes en el ámbito laboral. Refuerza la inclusión de personas con discapacidad en el empleo, define con mayor claridad los derechos de los sustitutos y cuidadores, y establece nuevas obligaciones para los empleadores.

S.A.S. and Sports Joint Stock Companies: New rules under the Organic Law of National Solidarity

S.A.S. and Sports Joint Stock Companies: New rules under the Organic Law of National Solidarity

The Organic Law of National Solidarity reinforce the restrictions applicable to Simplified Joint Stock Companies (S.A.S.) by expanding the list of prohibited activities — including mining and strategic sectors — to ensure that these entities remain focused on ventures with lower regulatory risk. Additionally, it introduces the Sports Joint Stock Company, a new legal form designed to professionalize the management of sports clubs and teams, subject to strict controls to prevent illicit activities.

S.A.S. y Sociedades Anónimas Deportivas: Nuevas reglas bajo la Ley Orgánica de Solidaridad Nacional

S.A.S. y Sociedades Anónimas Deportivas: Nuevas reglas bajo la Ley Orgánica de Solidaridad Nacional

La Ley Orgánica de Solidaridad Nacional refuerza las restricciones para las Sociedades por Acciones Simplificadas (S.A.S.), ampliando la lista de actividades prohibidas, como la minería y sectores estratégicos, para mantenerlas enfocadas en emprendimientos de menor riesgo regulatorio. Además, introduce la Sociedad Anónima Deportiva, una nueva figura jurídica para profesionalizar la gestión de clubes y equipos deportivos, con controles estrictos para evitar actividades ilícitas.

Ecuador and the Netherlands Strengthen customs control and Intellectual Property protection

Ecuador and the Netherlands Strengthen customs control and Intellectual Property protection

The new Agreement on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Customs Matters between Ecuador and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, published in the Second Supplement of the Official Register No. 63 (June 19, 2025), strengthens efforts to combat smuggling, counterfeiting, and commercial fraud. Through information exchange and coordinated surveillance mechanisms, it also reinforces the protection of intellectual property rights, benefiting authorities, operators, and rights holders.

1 2 3 4 27

Contáctanos

Tienes alguna pregunta? Gustosos te ayudaremos