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International Conference Concludes TKDL Can Prevent Misappropriation and Fuel Innovation


Representatives from more than 35 countries discussed at an international conference here the potential of India’s Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) – a database documenting centuries-old traditional medicinal treatments – to be emulated in their countries and concluded that such a mechanism can also fuel future innovation and benefit-sharing. There was widespread agreement about the value of TKDLs to protect against misappropriation of traditional knowledge (TK), as well as their potential as a resource for enabling further innovation, such as in public health.

WIPO and India Partner to Protect Traditional Knowledge from Misappropriation


Representatives from 35 countries are in Delhi this week to explore how the success of India’s Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) - a landmark project which protects India’s centuries-old traditional knowledge (TK) from misappropriation – could be emulated by interested countries.

IGC Makes Significant Progress, Sets the Stage for Working Groups on GRs and TK


Negotiators from WIPO’s 184 member states and other stakeholders made significant progress this week during a session of the Intergovernmental Committee on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Folklore (IGC). In addition to advancing on key substantive issues, the IGC defined the work to be undertaken by two intersessional working groups on traditional knowledge (TK) and genetic resources (GRs) that will meet in February 2011.

Experts Break New Ground in Traditional Cultural Expression Talks


Experts from WIPO member states rolled up their sleeves this week and got down to the nitty-gritty of discussions aimed at reaching agreement on an international legal instrument (or instruments) to ensure the effective protection of traditional knowledge (TK), traditional cultural expressions (TCEs) and genetic resources (GRs). Their work focused on what is considered to be the most mature of the three subjects - TCEs - covered by the Intergovernmental Committee on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Folklore (IGC).

WIPO Member States Advance Work On Traditional Knowledge, Folklore And Genetic Resources


WIPO member states made significant progress in advancing the work of the Intergovernmental Committee on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Folklore (IGC) this week. This first session of the IGC under its new mandate to conduct "text-based negotiations" to reach agreement on an international legal instrument (or instruments) that ensure the effective protection of traditional knowledge (TK), traditional cultural expressions (TCEs) and genetic resources (GRs), was chaired by Ambassador Philip Owade of Kenya. This session of the IGC met from May 3 to 7, 2010.

IGC Resumes Substantive Work


WIPO’s Intergovernmental Committee on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Folklore (IGC) reviewed draft provisions for the protection of traditional cultural expressions (TCEs) and traditional knowledge (TK), and considered options for future work on intellectual property (IP) and genetic resources at a meeting from December 7 to 11, 2009, paving the way for mandated negotiations in 2010.

International Conference Calls for Concrete Outcomes on TK, GRs & TCEs


WIPO Director General Francis Gurry, joined by India’s Secretary, Department of Industry and Commerce, Mr. Ajay Shankar, opened on November 13, 2009 an international conference by highlighting the importance of developing a balanced international legal framework for the effective protection of traditional knowledge (TK), genetic resources (GRs) and traditional cultural expressions (TCEs).

Indigenous Community goes Digital with High-Tech Support from WIPO


In a community ceremony, under the shade of an acacia tree, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) formally handed over digital recording equipment to Chief Kisio and other elders of the Maasai community, at Il Ngwesi, Laikipia, Kenya to assist the Maasai people in preserving and documenting their rich cultural heritage. Some 200 members of the community participated in the ceremony in late July.

IGC Considers Future Work


The WIPO Intergovernmental Committee on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Folklore (IGC) concluded its 14th session on July 3, 2009 after an in-depth discussion on the best way to advance the Committee’s future work.

IGC Consultations to Continue on Future Work Program


The Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Mr. Francis Gurry, and the Chairman of the Intergovernmental Committee on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Folklore (IGC), Ambassador Rigoberto Gauto Vielman of Paraguay, said they would pursue efforts in the coming weeks to bridge differences among member states on the way to move international negotiations forward. The IGC wrapped up its 13th meeting late in the evening of October 17, 2008 after attempts to hammer out compromise texts on the future work program faltered. Despite intense negotiations, delegations were not able to agree on the working procedures required to deliver the concrete outcomes that many have called for from this Committee. The IGC’s mandate calls upon it to accelerate its work, and expectations remain strong that the Committee should produce a significant outcome by the time it is required to report back to the WIPO General Assembly in September 2009.

WIPO Director General Calls for Concrete Outcomes to Benefit Indigenous and Local Communities


The Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Mr. Francis Gurry, called upon WIPO’s member states to intensify efforts to develop concrete international outcomes on traditional knowledge, traditional cultural expressions and genetic resources. This call opened the 13th session of the Intergovernmental Committee on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Folklore (IGC), WIPO’s principal policy forum working on these issues, on October 13, 2008. Newly elected IGC Chairman, H.E. Ambassador Rigoberto Gauto Vielman of Paraguay, echoed the Director General’s call for the Committee to accelerate and focus its work with a view to delivering conclusive results.

WIPO to Launch Pilot Training Program for Indigenous Communities


The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) will launch in September 2008 a pilot program to assist indigenous communities to document their own cultural traditions, archive this heritage for future generations, and safeguard their interest in authorizing use of their recordings and traditions by third parties.

Indonesian Cultural Heritage Takes Center Stage at WIPO Supported Event


As part of its efforts related to the protection of intangible cultural heritage, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has partnered with the Permanent Mission of Indonesia in Geneva, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the United Nations Office in Geneva (UNOG) to support a performance of the Wayang Shadow Puppet Theatre, an exquisite portrayal of Indonesia’s living heritage.

IGC Agrees on Ways to Further Advance its Work


A key committee of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), meeting in Geneva from February 25 to 29, 2008, explored practical steps to intensify and accelerate its work relating to intellectual property and traditional knowledge, genetic resources and folklore, with a view to developing concrete international outcomes following the renewal of its mandate by the WIPO General Assembly states in October 2007. Under its new mandate the Intergovernmental Committee on Intellectual Property Traditional Knowledge, Genetic Resources and Folklore (IGC) is required to accelerate its work. The mandate leaves open the possibility for specific outcomes, including international instruments.

Symposium on Intellectual Property and Life Sciences Regulation


The third in a series of public symposia on the life sciences and intellectual property will be held on Friday, November 16, 2007 and will address Intellectual Property and Life Sciences Regulation. The full-day event is organized by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in cooperation with the Stockholm Network.

IGC Recommends Mandate Renewal to Continue Negotiations on Core Issues


A key committee of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), meeting in Geneva from July 3 to 12, 2007, recommended that the WIPO General Assembly should renew its mandate to continue work on intellectual property and traditional knowledge (TK), traditional cultural expressions (TCEs) (also termed 'expressions of folklore'), and genetic resources. The current mandate of the Intergovernmental Committee on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Folklore (IGC) expires in December 2007.

WIPO Director General Urges Continued Support for Participation of Indigenous Groups in IGC


The Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization, Dr. Kamil Idris, applauded the generosity of donors to the WIPO Voluntary Contribution Fund for Accredited Indigenous and Local Communities (“the Fund”) and urged member states and other potential donors to continue to offer their practical support by contributing to the Fund. This followed a review of the Fund this week by participants in the Intergovernmental Committee on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Folklore (IGC) which is meeting in Geneva from July 3 to 12, 2007.

Key WIPO Committee Continues Work on Range of International Trademark Issues


Member states of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) meeting under the auspices of the Standing Committee on Trademarks, Industrial Designs and Geographical Indications (SCT) in Geneva from November 13 to 17, 2006, addressed a range of issues relating to trademark and industrial design law and practice in WIPO member states

WIPO Member States Extend International Work on Protection of Traditional Knowledge, Genetic Resources and Folklore


Member states of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) have agreed to continue accelerated work on intellectual property (IP) and traditional knowledge, genetic resources and folklore, with a focus on the international dimension. The General Assembly extended the mandate of the Intergovernmental Committee on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Folklore (IGC) for two years.

Director General of WIPO welcomes signs of Progress in Recognition of Indigenous People's Rights


On the occasion of the International Day of the World's Indigenous People, on August 9, 2005, the Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Dr. Kamil Idris, welcomed the progressive steps being taken by the international community towards effective recognition and enjoyment of the rights of indigenous peoples, and greater respect for their distinct cultures, communities and values.

WIPO's Work on Traditional Knowledge and Folklore Receives Broad Support


Member states of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) have affirmed broad support for the work of the Organization on the protection of traditional knowledge (TK) and expressions of traditional cultures /folklore (TCEs) and have agreed to recommend to the WIPO General Assembly that the mandate of the Intergovernmental Committee on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Folklore (IGC) be extended to the next biennium so that work on TK, TCEs and genetic resources could continue. These were among the decisions made at the most recent session of the IGC which took place in Geneva from June 6 to 10, 2005. The session was attended by delegates from 76 member states, 12 intergovernmental organizations and 39 non-governmental organizations. The WIPO General Assembly meets in September 2005.

WIPO Member States Get to Grips with Protection of Traditional Knowledge and Folklore


Member states of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) intensified their work on concrete outcomes for the protection of traditional knowledge (TK) and traditional cultural expressions (TCEs)/folklore last week at a meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Folklore (IGC). The meeting, which took place in Geneva from November 1 to 5, 2004, reviewed, for the first time, a set of draft provisions outlining policy objectives and core principles for the protection of TK and TCEs against misappropriation and misuse.

WIPO and UNEP Launch Joint Publication on Benefit Sharing


The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) launched on November 1, 2004 a study that identifies and explores the role of intellectual property rights in the sharing of benefits arising from the use of biological resources and associated traditional knowledge. The study was presented by Mr. Klaus Töpfer, UNEP Executive Director and Mr. Francis Gurry, WIPO Deputy Director General at the WIPO Intergovernmental Committee on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Folklore (IGC) which is meeting in Geneva from November 1 to 5, 2004.

WIPO Member States Lay Foundations for Protection of Traditional Knowledge


A key committee of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) decided today on concrete steps for accelerated international work on protection of traditional knowledge (TK) and folklore (or traditional cultural expressions (TCEs). The WIPO Intergovernmental Committee on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Folklore (IGC) agreed on the development of the building blocks for the protection of TK and expressions of folklore.

WIPO Publishes Cases Studies On Use Of Intellectual Property By Indigenous Communities


The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) published on Monday, March 15, 2004, a collection of practical case studies on the use of the intellectual property system by indigenous communities in Australia. The publication, entitled, "Minding Culture: Case Studies on Intellectual Property and Traditional Cultural Expressions", was written for WIPO by Ms. Terri Janke, an Australian lawyer and a descendant of the Meriam people of the Torres Strait Islands, Australia.

Study Takes Critical Look at Benefit Sharing of Genetic Resources and Traditional Knowledge


A joint study commissioned by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and presented at an international meeting on the world's wildlife, highlights the complexities of how best to recompense countries, communities and indigenous peoples for the knowledge and genetic resources they nurture and hold, and the practicalities of ensuring that benefits from access and use of these resources are shared equitably.

WIPO Member States Agree to Fast-Track Work on Traditional Knowledge


Member states of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) decided today to push forward with work relating to the intellectual property aspects of traditional knowledge, folklore and genetic resources. The General Assembly, meeting from September 22 to October 1, 2003, decided on an extended mandate for the WIPO Intergovernmental Committee on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Folklore (IGC). The mandate requires the IGC to accelerate its work, and to focus in particular on the international dimension of intellectual property (IP) and genetic resources, traditional knowledge (TK) and folklore.

IGC Moves Ahead on Traditional Knowledge Protection


The third meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Folklore (IGC) of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), which met from June 13 to 21, 2002, dealt with diverse aspects of the interaction between the intellectual property (IP) system, and genetic resources, traditional knowledge (TK) and expressions of traditional cultures.

Key officials meet to discuss traditional knowledge and intellectual property


The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the government of the Sultanate of Oman are bringing together ministers responsible for culture and/or intellectual property matters and other key officials from around the world at an international forum to discuss the theme "Intellectual Property and Traditional Knowledge: Our Identity, Our Future".