Need for sui generis system for protection of
traditional knowledge ?


 

According to the conclusions of a recently held WIPO Asia-Pacific Regional Forum on Policy Development, Institution Building and Demystification of Intellectual Property, there is a need for a sui generes systen for protection of traditional knowledge, including expressions of folklore and genetic resources, seekin even a 200-year protection. The traditional knowledge digital library task force in India studied the USPTO data base in March 2000 and found almost 5000 references on 90 medicinal plants. Eighty percent of these references were on seven plants of Indian origin -they being Kumari,Musta,Tamraparna,Atasi,Garjara,Jambira,Kharbuja,Manjishta,Gugulu and Bhanga.