Traditional Knowledge Division

As part of the Global Challenges and Partnerships Sector, the Traditional Knowledge Division carries out WIPO’s work on the intersection of intellectual property and biodiversity, cultural heritage, agriculture, trade, life sciences, human rights, health, climate change and sustainable development. The Division’s work is closely linked to the fields of genetic resources, traditional knowledge and traditional cultural expressions (also known as “expressions of folklore”).

Our activities include:

• Facilitating international negotiations
• Providing information and technical assistance to regional and national authorities in establishing policies, strategies, action plans and legislation, including in relation to the WIPO Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge
• Engaging with Indigenous Peoples as well as local communities
• Supporting community entrepreneurship
• Advising on the documentation of traditional knowledge and traditional cultural expressions
• Offering practical tools and training related to the management of intellectual property in genetic resources and data
• Maintaining a repository of regional, national and community experiences

Further Information:

• WIPO Intergovernmental Committee on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Folklore
• WIPO Indigenous Fellowship Program
• WIPO Community Entrepreneurship Program
• Indigenous Peoples, Traditional Cultural Expressions and Fashion
• WIPO Photography Prize for Indigenous Youth