This Report presents information compiled by WIPO from nine fact-finding missions conducted in 1998 and 1999 on the intellectual property needs and expectations of holders of traditional knowledge. The purpose of the Report is to provide information to WIPO Member States, holders of traditional knowledge, including indigenous peoples, the private sector, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, academic and research institutions and other interested parties, on the intellectual property needs and expectations of traditional knowledge holders expressed to WIPO during the fact-finding missions.

FFM to West Africa

This Brief provides background information on the WIPO Intergovernmental Committee on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Folklore (IGC).

This Brief provides general and basic information on the interface between intellectual property and traditional knowledge, traditional cultural expressions, and genetic resources.

This publication is part of a series of background papers prepared by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) dealing with intellectual property issues in relation to genetic resources, traditional knowledge and traditional cultural expressions/ folklore. It is intended to provide a comprehensive analysis of the policy issues that arise in the debate over improved intellectual property protection of TCEs/folklore, as an information resource for policy makers, negotiators, legislators, indigenous and traditional communities, users of traditional cultural expressions/folklore, researchers and others interested in exploring these issues in detail.

This publication, prepared under the aegis of the WIPO Creative Heritage Project by two external consultants, Ms. Molly Torsen and Dr. Jane Anderson, offers legal information and compiles practical experiences on the management of intellectual property for cultural institutions whose collections comprise traditional cultural expressions. It seeks to respond directly to the needs of cultural institutions and indigenous and traditional communities dealing with the preservation, safeguarding and protection of cultural heritage.

The common framework for industrial property information and documentation.