Resolution – 2002.10 Biopatenting
Submitted by: Nova Scotia Provincial Council
Whereas, Biopatenting is the patenting of seeds and living organisms; and
Whereas, The World Trade Organization is currently reviewing the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights, which includes patents on higher life forms under Article 27.3(b); therefore, be it
Resolved, That the national council of The Catholic Women’s League of Canada, in 82nd annual national convention assembled, urge the federal government:
- to oppose biopatenting of life forms; and
- as a participant in the review process for the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights, to propose an amendment to Article 27.3 prohibiting the patenting of plants, animals, micro-organisms and all other living organisms, including the natural processes that produce them.