Utilisation and/or appropriation of genetic resources that is not based on the necessary access permits or does not fulfil the agreed conditions and therefore is illicit.

Biopiracy refers to the appropriation, generally by means of patents, of indigenous biomedical knowledge by foreign entities (including corporations, universities and governments) without compensatory payment.An extended discussion of the definition of biopiracy: The classic case is that of the Rosy Periwinkle (Madagascar Periwinkle), a plant native to Madagascar. Mitzi Perdue, http://www.eggscape.com/treasure.html The Rosy Periwinkle Research into the plant was prompted by the plant's traditional medicinal role and resulted in the discovery of a large number of biologically active chemicals, including the chemotherapeutic agent vincristine. Vincristine is both highly effective in treating some cancers and, as a result, an unusually lucrative drug.