Traditional Knowledge and Folklore in Ip

1588 Words7 Pages
Introduction Traditional knowledge generally refer to the long-standing traditions and practices of certain regional, indigenous, or local communities. Traditional knowledge also encompasses the wisdom, knowledge, and teachings of these communities. In many cases, traditional knowledge has been orally passed for generations from person to person. Some forms of traditional knowledge are expressed through stories, legends, folklore, rituals, songs, and even laws. Other forms of traditional knowledge are expressed through different means. According to WIPO, Traditional knowledge (TK), Traditional cultural expression (TCEs) and genetic resources (GR) are economic and cultural assets of indigenous and local communities and their countries (WIPO, 2012). WIPO's work addresses the role that intellectual property (IP) principles and systems can play in protecting TK and TCEs from misappropriation, and in generating and equitably sharing benefits from their commercialization and the role of IP in access to and benefit-sharing in genetic resources. Although Traditional knowledge is defined by WIPO, there is still not firm legal documents that are regulating this subject matter. The process for legal framework has began in October 2000 by the WIPO General Assembly. Since then the WIPO Intergovernmental Committee on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Folklore (IGC) is undertaking text-based negotiations with the objective of reaching agreement on a text of an international legal instruments which will ensure the effective protection of traditional knowledge (TK), traditional cultural expressions (TCEs)(folklore) and genetic resources. The recent developments in this regard should bear with results in 2013 on the WIPO General Assembly where should be make decision on convening a diplomatic conference. The Issue of protection of TK and
Open Document