68 Public Domain and Traditional Knowledge
“The treatment of traditional knowledge as merely an extension of the public domain has significant implications for the welfare and economic development opportunities of Indigenous groups. This view undermines treaties that already acknowledge or require protection for the rights of Indigenous groups and traditional knowledge holders, and it violates central tenets of the international IP framework, such as non-discrimination and protection for the non-economic interests (i.e., moral rights) associated with certain cultural goods.” (Okediji, 2018, p. 2)
Watch the following video by the Centre for International Governance Innovation Senior Fellow Ruth Okediji discussing the issues with the public domain and its impact on traditional knowledge.
Read pg. 22-24 of Okediji, R. (2018) Traditional Knowledge and the Public Domain, CIGI Papers No. 176.
Complete this Activity
In the comments below, write a reflection on the video and to Dr. Okegiji’s tiered approach to traditional knowledge and public domain
Watch this Video
Challenge Image Credit: Bibliotheca Buloviana (Ausschnitt) by Georg Daniel Heumann licensed under Public Domain
