Despite Canada's intellectual property (IP) laws failing to
provide protections specifically for Indigenous peoples'
traditional knowledge, there are a number of ways traditional
knowledge can be protected – including through trademark
law.
Indigenous peoples have a wealth of IP, some of which comes in
the form of traditional knowledge. Although there are many
definitions of traditional knowledge, it can generally be
understood as the knowledge, skills and practices that are passed
down between generations of a community or group that forms part of
the group's culture and spirituality.
For Indigenous groups seeking better options for the long-term
protection of their culture and traditional knowledge, one solution
is the use of trademarks and official marks. These marks can help
prevent cultural appropriation and can be renewed indefinitely.
