Spiritual but not Intellectual? The Protection of Sacred Intangible Traditional Knowledge

Authors

• Daniel J. Gervais, University of Ottawa

Abstract

The article examines the legal protection of sacred intangible traditional knowledge (TK), arguing that current intellectual property (IP) frameworks fail to adequately address the unique spiritual and cultural significance of such knowledge. It advocates for the recognition of collective or communal ownership of sacred TK, proposing adaptations to IP law to better respect and protect the rights of indigenous peoples. The analysis emphasizes the need for legal reforms that balance cultural preservation with the limitations of existing IP systems.

Disciplines

Intellectual Property Law | Law

Recommended Citation

Daniel J. Gervais, Spiritual but not Intellectual? The Protection of Sacred Intangible Traditional Knowledge, 11 Cardozo J. Int'l & Comp. L. 467 (2003).
Available at: https://larc.cardozo.yu.edu/cjicl/vol11/iss2/8