Biotechnology and traditional knowledge: in search of equity
by Susette Biber-Klemm
International Journal of Biotechnology (IJBT), Vol. 2, No. 1/2/3, 2000

Abstract: Biotechnology has increased the value of genetic resources and related traditional knowledge of indigenous and farming communities. However, the diversity of animal and plant resources as well as traditional knowledge are declining at an accelerated rate. Biological diversity, coupled with traditional knowledge are essential to maintain the options for the survival of mankind in a changing world. Whereas information generated in formal innovatory processes can be protected by intellectual property rights, the informational value of traditional knowledge and of genetic resources generated in informal breeding systems at present cannot be protected by legal means. It is submitted that, by creating property rights sui generis for genetic resources and traditional knowledge, they would become a tradable good. Benefits could be allocated to the authors of the information and act as an incentive for the conservation and maintenance of biological diversity and traditional knowledge. The paper explores the factual background and the present legal environment. Furthermore it investigates the option of creating traditional intellectual property rights within the frame of the WTO/TRIPS negotiations.

Online publication date: Sun, 13-Jul-2003

The full text of this article is only available to individual subscribers or to users at subscribing institutions.

 
Existing subscribers:
Go to Inderscience Online Journals to access the Full Text of this article.

Pay per view:
If you are not a subscriber and you just want to read the full contents of this article, buy online access here.

Complimentary Subscribers, Editors or Members of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Biotechnology (IJBT):
Login with your Inderscience username and password:

Username:        Password:          Forgotten your password?

Want to subscribe?
A subscription gives you complete access to all articles in the current issue, as well as to all articles in the previous three years (where applicable). See our Orders page to subscribe.

If you still need assistance, please email subs@inderscience.com