Traditional Knowledge Digital Library: The Challenges Ahead
January 2017
in “
Social Science Research Network
”
TLDR The document suggests creating a secure database for indigenous knowledge and recommends that the TKDL actively fight patents that slightly alter traditional knowledge.
The document from 2017 discusses the challenges faced by the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) in India, which was established to prevent the misappropriation of traditional knowledge through patents. Despite having over 290,000 medicinal formulations in its database and preventing wrongful patents, the TKDL struggles with two main issues: the lack of a confidential database for Indigenous Knowledge in India, and the continued infringement of traditional knowledge. The paper cites instances of patents being granted in India for traditional medicines, showing that traditional knowledge is still vulnerable to privatization and wrongful patenting. The conclusion suggests the creation of a comprehensive and confidential database for indigenous knowledge and recommends that the TKDL proactively challenge patents that claim traditional knowledge with minor modifications.
