Minding Culture: Case-Studies on Intellectual Property and Traditional Cultural Expressions

Objective

Eight case-studies undertaken in Australia, entitled "Minding Culture: Case-Studies on Intellectual Property and Traditional Cultural Expressions" were selected, prepared, researched and written by Ms. Terri Janke, an Australian lawyer. The studies have been incorported together in WIPO/GRTKF/STUDY/2.

The objective of the case-studies was to obtain practical information on specific and actual examples in which an Indigenous or local community has taken advantage of, or attempted to use, the intellectual property system, either to protect traditional cultural expressions or to further their own interests in their commercial application and utilization. The consultant was requested to include practical information on difficulties and successes experienced in applying intellectual property standards to traditional knowledge, and lessons learned. WIPO provided the consultant with terms of reference comprising the issues and questions that the consultant ought to address in relation to each case studied. A description of the research, consultations and investigations undertaken by the consultant is contained in her Report on Consultation.