A STUDY ON FEW CASES OF TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE GOODS REGISTERED AS GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATION

Abstract

Culture, tradition, and knowledge are intangible and often unwritten concepts, making them vulnerable to being forgotten over time. Consequently, indigenous peoples and local communities have increasingly called for systems that can promote and protect age-old knowledge, cultural expressions, and traditional practices. In response to these concerns, Traditional Knowledge (TK) has been brought under the ambit of intellectual property protection. TK holders fear that their knowledge may disappear if younger generations are unwilling or unable to inherit and preserve it. Moreover, individuals and corporations may misuse TK by attempting to secure intellectual property rights over such knowledge, which can unjustly restrict its use—even for the original custodians.

Unlike other forms of intellectual property rights, Geographical Indications (GIs) are granted not to a single individual or company, but to a group, community, organization, or competent authority. GIs can be renewed indefinitely, with each renewal lasting ten years. GI protection recognizes the reputation, quality, and goodwill associated with a product originating from a specific geographical region. Thus, both TK and GI frameworks aim to safeguard knowledge and products rooted in particular localities.