Protection of Traditional Knowledge: Emerging Issue of Intellectual Property Law

Abstract

Traditional Knowledge and Indigenous Knowledge are the two concepts under intellectual property which in the present context is of major concern of intellectual property law. Since, the term traditional knowledge and indigenous knowledge are quite often used interchangeably but failing to understand at times that they do not carry the same meaning it may lead to confusion. Sothis paper in general clarifies the distinction between these two concepts of intellectual property highlighting the importance of traditional knowledge. The paper attempts to discuss the areas of scope and significance of traditional knowledge. Furthermore, this paper highlights the impact of failure of registering the traditional knowledge as a patent leading to infringement of violation of intellectual property rights. The paper in conclusion opines that the ongoing debate of need of national and international actions for the protection of traditional knowledge and preservation of the nation's intellectual property should be the interest of all nations.