Protection Of Traditional Knowledge As Trade Secrets

I. TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE

Traditional knowledge (TK) may be described as knowledge, know-how, skills and practices that are developed, sustained and passed on from generation to generation within a community, often forming part of its cultural or spiritual identity. As such there is no definition of TK, it is integral to the identity of most local communities and is an ever evolving body of knowledge. ²

The attempts by a US Company to get Indian traditional products such as the active element of Turmeric and the anti fungal properties of Neem patented raised much hue and cry. All of these instances and many more raised eye brows of the common people because what was being exploited was the Traditional Knowledge (TK) of particular communities. Moreover, such acts also posed to be great economic threats as well to these people.