The 53rd session of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Intergovernmental Committee on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Folklore was held in Geneva, Switzerland, from September 16 to 25, 2026, with the participation of a staff member of the Intellectual Property Office.

During the session, the Office’s representative delivered a statement on behalf of the Republic of Armenia and participated in closed meetings with the regional group. Discussions addressed issues concerning genetic resources and the protection of traditional knowledge and traditional cultural expressions. Participants considered draft international legal instruments aimed at protecting traditional knowledge and traditional cultural expressions. Attention was also given to the participation of indigenous people and local communities in the Committee’s work, the protection of their traditional knowledge and cultural expressions, and the exchange of information on national and regional legal systems in these areas.

Following the discussions, it was decided to continue consideration of the outstanding articles of the draft legal instruments at the next session.