Easily Accessible Treasure Susceptible to Misappropriation: A Discourse on Traditional Knowledge

Abstract

The paper deliberates upon the importance and misappropriation of traditional knowledge discussing few instances followed by a debate on the approach of developing and developed nations towards its protection. It further examines the interface between Intellectual property rights and traditional knowledge and the role played by intellectual property principles in protecting them from being misappropriated. It also explores the work of WIPO on traditional knowledge, which can serve as a guide to navigate through the complex policy, legal and practical concerns that surface when exploring traditional creativity and innovation and analyses the efforts made by the Indian Government in protecting the traditional knowledge.