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International Framework

1. Global Technology Commons

US Advocates for an International Treaty:

Binding International Agreement (Beyond the Nagoya Protocol):

Provisions:

1. Global Registry of Innovations

  • Database: All traditional knowledge, innovations from the Global South are registered (prevents patent theft)
  • Managed by: Global South-majority governance board (not Western-controlled)

2. Mandatory Prior Informed Consent

  • Before any Use: Companies/governments must get consent from creators
  • Negotiation: Fair terms (not extractive contracts)

3. Benefit-Sharing Standards

  • Minimum: 5% of revenues from innovation go to originators
  • Enforcement: International court (like ICC) can sanction violators

4. Patent Reform

  • WTO TRIPS Amendment: Prohibit patents on life forms, traditional knowledge, and genetic resources
  • Abolish Pharma Patents: Medicine = human right, NOT a commodity

2. US Leads by Example

Unilateral Actions (Don't Wait for Treaty):

1. US Implements Innovation Justice Act (domestic law, immediate effect)

2. US Pays Reparations for Past Biopiracy

Historical Theft Redress Fund:

  • Identify Past biopiracy Cases: Neem, turmeric, basmati, quinoa, ayurveda, yoga, etc.
  • Calculate Stolen Value: Profits made by US companies from stolen innovations
  • Pay Reparations: $10 billion fund distributed to affected communities/countries

3. US Renounces Harmful Patents

Government Directive:

  • Review all US patents: Identify those based on traditional knowledge, Global South innovations
  • Voluntarily revoke: Government pressures companies to release patents (or buys them out, releases to public domain)
  • Example: US government buys neem pesticide patents and releases them to the public → Indian farmers can use freely