Intellectual property law and the protection of indigenous knowledge

Abstract

Copyrights may provide more effective protection for indigenous knowledge than other forms of intellectual property such as patents, trademarks, and 97 confidential information. The most important aspect of copyright law may be neighboring rights. Neighboring rights are provided to those who perform in ceremonies or belong to groups which hold knowledge. The rights of indigenous peoples must be protected with international laws as well as national laws which are designed to protect those with indigenous knowledge. Model Licensing Agreements as well as university involvement in indigenous knowledge are also essential for international indigenous knowledge protection.