Traditional Knowledge, Genetic Resources and Traditional Cultural Expressions/Folklore

 

Overview

WIPO provides a forum for international policy debate and development of legal mechanisms and practical tools concerning the protection of traditional knowledge (TK) and traditional cultural expressions (folklore) against misappropriation and misuse, and the intellectual property (IP) aspects of access to and benefit-sharing in genetic resources.

In 1998 and 1999, WIPO consulted a wide range of stakeholders, such as indigenous peoples and local communities, NGOs, governmental representatives, academics and the private sector, to identify the IP needs and expectations of the holders of TK and cultural expressions. A comprehensive report of these fact-finding missions is available.

Currently, the WIPO Intergovernmental Committee on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Folklore (the IGC), which met for the first time in 2001, is discussing draft provisions for the enhanced protection of TK and traditional cultural expressions against misappropriation and misuse.

WIPO's work in these areas involves close cooperation with other international organizations and NGOs, as well as the organisation of a wide range of capacity-building activities. Capacity-building resources include practical IP guidelines and information technology tools for managing IP issues when digitizing intangible cultural heritage, being developed within the Creative Heritage Project.

An overview of all IGC-related material is available here.