USPTO seeks comments on treaty to protect Indigenous knowledge

January 21, 2025

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is requesting public comments on whether the U.S. should join an international treaty requiring patent applicants to disclose when inventions use Indigenous traditional knowledge or genetic resources, such as medicinal plants. The treaty, adopted in May by the World Intellectual Property Organization, aims to prevent erroneous patents on non-novel inventions. Business groups, including PhRMA and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, have raised concerns about compliance challenges and potential impacts on innovation.

Comments due: March 18, 2025

Public hearing: April 29, 2025

We provide the independent reporting that non-Native, extractive outlets often overlook. We give our communities the context and the facts they need to make informed decisions.

Jodi Rave Spotted Bear

Founder and Editor in Chief

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we exist to illuminate tribal government decision-making for everyone who cares about transparency about Native issues. Because the consequences of restricted press freedom affect our communities every day, our trauma-informed reporting is rooted in a deep, firsthand expertise. Every gift helps keep the fire burning. A monthly contribution makes the biggest impact.