IP Australia has issued a report on its consultation into ways of protecting the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community’s Indigenous Knowledge.
In a statement, IP Australia said the aim of the consultation was to identify ways that could help promote the cultural integrity and economic potential of Indigenous Knowledge.
“The consultation report is a summary of the views, concerns and options that we heard through the consultations,” the statement said.
It said the report highlighted four key themes.
These were that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people wanted Control to be able to determine who uses their Indigenous Knowledge; Protection to stop unauthorised use of the Indigenous Knowledge and impose sanctions against misappropriation; Recognition to be accepted as the owners of the Indigenous Knowledge; and Respect for requiring the cultural protocols associated with it.
IP Australia said increasing public awareness of issues surrounding Indigenous Knowledge and its use was strongly supported by stakeholders.
“To help with this, IP Australia will be engaging in greater education and awareness about the significance of Indigenous Knowledge and the importance of taking steps to prevent misappropriation or misuse,” the Agency said.
“IP Australia is developing a work plan to progress other proposals based on stakeholder views.”
IP Australia’s 19-page report on the consultation can be accessed at this PS News link.
