FAO’s main interest in the TRIPS Agreement relates to intellectual property rights over plant varieties, animal breeds, related technologies and germplasm, and it is in these areas that FAO has technical expertise.
The Plant Production and Protection Division and the Animal Production and Health Division of FAO have extensive experience in assisting member countries with those aspects of TRIPS associated with genetic resources conservation and utilisation, seed policies and programmes and plant and animal breeding. The Development Law Service of the FAO Legal Office assists member countries with seed and propagating material legislation and regulations, plant varietal protection (PVP) legislation, including sui generis systems, and plant breeders’ and farmers’ rights.
FAO’s observer status on the TRIPS Council of WTO reflects the importance of its role in helping member countries meet their obligations under the Agreement