UN praises Indian efforts to protect 'Traditional Knowledge'

Betwa Sharma
United Nations, Nov 15 (PTI) A top UN official has
praised India for its "pioneering" role in protection of
'Traditional Knowledge' and said the country's extensive
database of thousands of formulations in various languages was
an example for the developing world.
The Director of United Nations World Intellectual
Property Organisation (WIPO), Francis Gurry, recently wrapped
up a five-day visit to India and stated that the renewed
mandate of the WIPO's Intergovernmental Committee on
Intellectual Property presented "a real opportunity" to
achieve tangible results.
He also called for more international cooperation in
the areas of Traditional Knowledge, Genetic Resources and
Folklore.
According to Gurry, India's publicly available,
Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL), which houses an
extensive database of thousands of formulations in patent
search compatible formats in various languages was worth
emulating by the developing world.
The UN official also praised the 'Indian Systems of
Medicine' initiative which covers traditional health care
systems and medicine, and the legislation to protect
Traditional Knowledge and Genetic Resources.
The WIPO director also pointed out that Intellectual
Property mechanisms could play significant role in mitigating
the consequences of climate change underlining that policies
that stimulate the creation and diffusion of technology are
directly relevant to an effective response to the challenges
of climate change. MORE PTI BS
ANU


The information contained in this electronic message and any attachments to this
message are intended for the exclusive
use of the addressee(s) and may contain proprietary, confidential or privileged
information. If you are not the intended
recipient, you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this e-mail. Please
notify the sender immediately and destroy
all copies of this message and any attachments contained in it.