PROTECTION OF TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE AS INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS

Traditional knowledge is commercialized without due respect for the
cultural and economic interests of the communities in which it
originates. At the same time, and often, no share of the returns from its
exploitation is conceded to the communities, which have developed
and maintained it.
Today, traditional knowledge is valuable economic and cultural assets
within the global information society.
In a number of developing countries, traditional knowledge is rich and
diverse sources of creativity and innovation. Further, the traditional
knowledge systems are frameworks for continuing creativity and
innovation in most fields of technology ranging from traditional
medicine to traditional agriculture practices, and extending to design.
Traditional knowledge is considered by its holder as a constantly
renewed source of wealth, both as an economic asset and as cultural
patrimony.
Interestingly, intellectual property issues related to traditional
knowledge often cut across the conventional branches of intellectual
property law, such as industrial property and copyright.
In order to help better understanding and wider consensus, it seems
necessary to address basic conceptual problems and test practical
solutions to the protection of traditional knowledge.