Regional co-operation in the protection of indigenous traditional knowledge within the IP-system

Enhanced co-operation on the Nordic level on the issues of Intellectual Property and protection of indigenous peoples' traditional knowledge

OKM057:00/2020 Development

The participation of the Sámi people must be increased regarding the protection of their traditional knowledge and cultural expressions. Cross-border regional cooperation can be increased between Sámi assemblies, Sámi communities, Barents and EU-level experts. This portal contains information about materials and events related to these goals. The work has no direct connection to WIPO's IGC negotiations.

Basic information In progress

Project number OKM057:00/2020

Case numbers VN/16063/2020

Set by Ministry of Education and Culture

Term/schedule 1.1.2021 – 31.12.2023

Date of appointment 12.10.2020

Goals and results

The aim is to improve co-operation in relation to the protection of indigenous peoples´ traditional knowledge and intellectual property at the Nordic and Barents Euro-Arctic level; the aim is to improve the protection of the traditional knowledge of the Sámi / Nordic indigenous peoples in practice by commissioning studies, developing best practices and training on the subject.

Summary

The participation of the Sámi people must be increased regarding the protection of their traditional knowledge and cultural expressions. Cross-border regional cooperation can be increased between Sámi assemblies, Sámi communities, Barents and EU-level experts. This portal contains information about materials and events related to these goals. The work has no direct connection to WIPO's IGC negotiations.

Starting points

The Sámi live in the area of three Nordic countries (and Russia). Cooperation is important to ensure the protection of other indigenous peoples', such as the Greenland Inuit' traditional knowledge. Nordic co-operation has a long history in the field of intellectual property rights and cultural heritage protection. As a first step, the possibilities for protection offered by current legislation should be explored.

Additional information