Malawi is First to Ratify WIPO Treaty on IP, Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge; WIPO, December 5, 2024

 WIPO; Malawi is First to Ratify WIPO Treaty on IP, Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge

"Malawi has become the first nation to ratify the WIPO Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge, the first WIPO Treaty to address the interface between intellectual property, genetic resources and traditional knowledge.

So far, 38 WIPO member states have signed the Treaty , which was adopted on May 24, 2024 at a diplomatic conference organized by WIPO in Geneva. Signing a treaty shows the intent to pursue ratification. Signing alone does not make the treaty legally binding. Ratification is the process by which a country formally consents to be bound by the Treaty. Upon ratification, the treaty becomes legally binding for the country that ratifies it, provided that it has entered into force.

The Treaty will take effect after 15 instruments of ratification or accession are presented to WIPO. Following a decision to become bound by a treaty, a State deposits an instrument of ratification or accession with the depositary (in this case the Director General of WIPO) and, if necessary, takes steps to enact legislation to implement the Treaty. Malawi was first to ratify the WIPO Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge through the deposit of an instrument of ratification."