Intergovernmental Committee (IGC)
The WIPO Intergovernmental Committee on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Folklore (IGC) undertakes text-based negotiations to finalize an agreement on an international legal instrument(s) for the protection of traditional knowledge (TK), traditional cultural expressions (TCEs) and genetic resources (GRs).
View the IGC’s mandate 
.
Sessions of the IGC begin with presentations by representatives from indigenous and local communities.
- IGC: What is happening now?
- Meetings and documents
- IGC Mandate 2024/2025
- IGC Related Seminars
- Provisional schedule for IGC in 2024
Relevant IGC documents
- The Protection of Traditional Cultural Expressions: Updated Draft Gap Analysis
- The Protection of Traditional Knowledge: Updated Draft Gap Analysis
- List and Brief Technical Explanation of Various Forms in which Traditional Knowledge May be Found
- Note on the Meanings of the Term "Public Domain" in the Intellectual Property System with Special Reference to the Protection of Traditional Knowledge and Traditional Cultural Expressions/Expressions of Folklore [PDF]
Participating in the IGC
Information on accreditation of observers and financial support to participants through the WIPO Voluntary Fund. Observer document submissions on the protection of TK, TCEs and GRs.
Issues and consultations
Ongoing and archived consultations of IGC members and accredited observers. Key issues and gap analyses on the protection of traditional cultural expressions and traditional knowledge.
Email updates
Traditional Knowledge Updates – Regular news and resources about intellectual property & traditional knowledge; and IGC updates.
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