Traditional Medical Knowledge Program

The WIPO Training, Mentoring and Matchmaking Program on Intellectual Property and Traditional Medical Knowledge aims at establishing and supporting an innovation ecosystem related to and based on traditional medical knowledge. The Program’s purpose is to assist communities and support traditional medicine practitioners by collaborating with research institutions, intellectual property offices and other partners to better understand how to protect and benefit from traditional medical knowledge. 

The Program provides participants the opportunity to:
  • ​​​acquire knowledge on the policies and legislations relating to the intellectual property protection of traditional medical knowledge; 
  • benefit from the support of a mentor and receive tailored trainings on intellectual property and its relationship with traditional medical knowledge;  and
  • build capacity in intellectual property and acquire the skills necessary for an effective use of the intellectual property system
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Dossier d’information n° 6 : Propriété intellectuelle et savoirs médicaux traditionnels

PUBLICATION YEAR: 2023

Meet the participants

Sharon Kembabazi – Traditional healer from Bushenyi, Uganda

“By exercising my Intellectual Property Rights, I get to protect my brand, by preventing others from using my name, logo or design, hence maintaining my brand's uniqueness; to prevent unauthorized use by stopping others from copying, distributing or modifying my work without permission; to increase my business value hence making it more attractive; and to gain a competitive edge through the uniqueness of my products or service from those of competitors, hence establishing a unique market position.”

Georgina Ninsiima, founder of Nyonja Herbal Organics and traditional healer from Kampala, Uganda

“Ultimately, intellectual property gives female traditional medicine practitioners the tools to control, protect and benefit from their knowledge in a way that can enhance both their social status and economic well-being. It can also contribute to greater gender equity in fields traditionally dominated by others, allowing women to be recognized as leaders in the preservation and development of traditional medicine. WIPO offers several valuable resources and support helping to safeguard and promote my work. This can help me as a female traditional medicine practitioner understand how to protect my innovations, practices, and products.”

Resources