Knowledge for Development

Intellectual property and traditional knowledge: How to protect traditional knowledge

Author:

Date: 11/05/2009

Introduction:

By World Intellectual Property Organization, 2009. Indigenous and local communities cherish traditional knowledge (TK) as a part of their cultural identities. The work of the WIPO Intergovernmental committee on intellectual property and genetic resources, traditional knowledge and folklore (“IGC”) ranges from the international dimension of TK and cooperation with other international agencies, to capacity building and the pooling of practical experience in this complex area. This publication gives an overview of this work, discusses some key concepts and describes various national approaches to protecting TK against misuse or misappropriation.