- What is Traditional Knowledge?
- Law and Legislation
- Procedures For Filing a Traditional Knowledge Application
- ARIPO Online Service
What is Traditional Knowledge?
Traditional Knowledge (TK) is 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. TK can be found in a wide variety of contexts, including agricultural, scientific, technical, ecological and medicinal knowledge as well as biodiversity-related knowledge.
While the IP system is built on scientific and contemporary knowledge, TK and Traditional cultural expressions (TCEs) are built on experiential knowledge, going beyond the inexplicable aspect such as spiritual and ritualistic world.
Law and Legislation
ARIPO is mandated under the Swakopmund Protocol on the Protection of Traditional Knowledge and Expression of Folklore to protect the holders of traditional knowledge against any infringement of their rights and protecting expressions of folklore against misappropriation, misuse and unlawful exploitation.
The Swakopmund Protocol was adopted at a Diplomatic Conference of ARIPO August 9, 2010, in Swakopmund, Namibia. The Protocol entered into force on May 11, 2015.
The Protocol has eight contracting states which are: Botswana, Malawi, Namibia, Rwanda, The Gambia, Liberia, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Procedures For Filing a Traditional Knowledge Application
Fee Schedule
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ARIPO Online Service
The ARIPO Office has introduced online services to allow applicants, attorneys, agents and other users to conduct their ARIPO business electronically. This facility allows for online filing of industrial property applications, online payment of fees, sending and receiving notification and general tracking of led applications. Click here for the ARIPO ONLINE SERVICE.
The online application comes with 20% reduction of the application fee.