Protecting Indigenous Knowledge in Intellectual Property Law
Indigenous peoples have traditionally passed down knowledge, practices, and cultural expressions through oral tradition and other forms of community-based transmission. This knowledge is often deeply tied to their sense of identity and connection to their land and resources. Intellectual property law, which is designed to protect the creations of individuals and companies, does not always take into account the communal nature of Indigenous knowledge. Furthermore, Indigenous knowledge is often misappropriated or used without proper attribution or compensation. This interview explores ways to respect and protect Indigenous knowledge within the framework of intellectual property law.