Skip to Main Content
NAU Cline Library logo

Patent and Trademark Resource Center (PTRC)

This guide will help you navigate resources provided by the Cline Library Patent and Trademark Resource Center (PTRC).

Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Traditional Cultural Expressions

WIPO's [The World Intellectual Property Organization] work on these issues lies at the nexus of intellectual property (IP) and biodiversity, cultural heritage, agriculture, trade, life sciences, human rights, health, climate change and sustainable development.

 
Many Indigenous Peoples, local communities and governments seek intellectual property (IP) protection for traditional knowledge (TK) and traditional cultural expressions (TCEs) as intangible assets. Such assets can range from traditional medicine and environmental knowledge to art, symbols and music.
 

Genetic resources (GRs) as such are not patentable but inventions based on them may be. Widespread use and the digital and technological transformation of GRs for innovation in the life sciences creates the need for a unique, cross-cutting approach to the interface between IP and GRs.

Content from the World Intellectual Property Organization.