Title : Patenting aspects for traditional knowledge
Abstract:
Traditional Knowledge is the knowledge, know-how, skills & practices developed, sustained, and passed from generation to generation. It provides a unique cultural or spiritual identity of the community. It is found in wide contexts, including agricultural, scientific, technical, ecological, medicinal, and biodiversity-related knowledge. WIPO has further distinguished it as traditional knowledge, cultural expressions, and genetic resources. Traditional knowledge as such is the knowledge that has ancient roots and is often informal and oral, which was difficult to be protected by conventional intellectual property systems. This has prompted some countries to develop their sui generis systems, for protecting traditional knowledge. Hence, there are many initiatives underway to document traditional knowledge. In most cases, the motive is to preserve, disseminate, or use it sustainably. WIPO is also assisting in developing an international legal instrument for effective protection. With the increase in patent filing, the patent offices have made considerable efforts with diligence while processing the applications dealing with traditional knowledge and/or biological materials. The applications should be correctly classified as "Traditional Knowledge". The examination & assessment of novelty, inventive steps, or capability of industrial use are the major milestones to promote the protection from commercial exploitation.
