WIPO’s engagement with indigenous peoples and local communities (IPLCs) consists of a range of general and specific information, services and programs to assist indigenous peoples and local communities to participate in and benefit from WIPO’s activities with a view to better protect their traditional knowledge (TK) and traditional cultural expressions (TCEs).
The WIPO Intergovernmental Committee on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Folklore (the IGC) is undertaking text-based negotiations with the objective of finalizing an agreement on an international legal instrument(s) relating to intellectual property (IP) which will ensure the balanced and effective protection of genetic resources (GRs), TK and TCEs.
A number of mechanisms and facilities ensure the full and effective participation of accredited IPLCs’ representatives in the work of the IGC.
An ad hoc fast-track accreditation procedure for observers is available for IPLCs
Accredited IPLCs’ representatives may make submissions in relation to the IGC work.
The WIPO Voluntary Fund facilitates the participation of accredited IPLCs' representatives in sessions of the IGC.
Presentations on indigenous and local community experiences delivered at sessions of the IGC by a panel of IPLCs representatives provide invaluable insight into the experiences, concerns and aspirations of IPLCs concerning the protection, promotion and preservation of TK, TCEs and GRs.
WIPO’s Indigenous Fellowship Program – launched in 2009 – enables members of indigenous and local communities to work in WIPO's Traditional Knowledge Division on issues relevant to indigenous peoples.
A Call for expressions of interest for the WIPO Indigenous Fellowship program in 2024-2025 has been launched (deadline April 21, 2024) 
The WIPO Summer Schools provide an opportunity for university students and young professionals to acquire a deeper knowledge of IP, and how it can be used as a tool for sustainable development. WIPO funds the participation of selected indigenous peoples in its Summer Schools.
The WIPO Advanced Distance Learning Course on Intellectual Property, TK and TCEs provides technical information on key concepts and international, regional and national experiences, policy options and legal mechanisms available or under consideration for the intellectual property-like protection of TK and TCEs. The course is available free of charge for indigenous peoples.
Indigenous peoples and local communities benefit from WIPO’s training and capacity building activities in relation to the protection of traditional knowledge and traditional cultural expressions and the interaction between genetic resources and the intellectual property system.
WIPO publications facilitate the understanding of issues and available options in relation to the protection of traditional knowledge, traditional cultural expressions and genetic resources. Specific publications address indigenous peoples and local communities needs and interests.
A Practical Guide to Intellectual Property for Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities
A range of easy-to-use checklists and other resources to help anyone considering a documentation project
General information on the interface between IP and GRs, TK and TCEs
Docip provides technical assistance to indigenous peoples and local communities representatives during sessions of the IGC with WIPO’s support.
