How should Australia protect Indigenous Knowledge?

Overview

In 2012 IP Australia in conjunction with then Department of the Arts commenced consultations about the role of Australia’s intellectual property (IP) system in protecting indigenous knowledge. IP Australia published written submissions and case studies addressing the intersection between Indigenous Knowledge and IP; calling for outstanding submissions to be made by 31 January 2016. These submissions highlighted key issues. As the initial phase of work on IK for IP Australia, input from this round of consultations helped guide potential domestic policy options to address key issues, and enabled Australia to take an informed position to the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) sessions.