World Trade Organization IP/C/W/469 13 March 2006 (06-1111) Council for Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights Original: English ARTICLE 27.3(B), RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE TRIPS AGREEMENT AND THE CBD, AND THE PROTECTION OF TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE AND FOLKLORE Communication from the United States The following communication, dated 10 March 2006, is being circulated at the request of the Delegation of the United States. _______________ INTRODUCTION The purpose of this paper, building upon the previous two submissions from the United States (IP/C/W/434 and IP/C/W/449), is to continue to facilitate discussions under agenda items pursuant to paragraphs 12 and 19 of the Doha Ministerial Declaration. In conjunction with paragraph 12, paragraph 19 of the Doha Ministerial Mandate directs the TRIPS Council to examine the relationship between the TRIPS Agreement and the CBD, the protection of traditional knowledge, and folklore. At Hon