Traditional knowledge seminar in Lima

By Francisco Espinosa

Representatives of 21 member countries of APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation ) met in Lima on September 1st and 2nd, 2011 in the seminar “Successful Experiences in the Implementation of Tools for Protection of Traditional knowledge”, which will analyze the alternatives of protection of traditional knowledge from native communities. 

This event analyzed the different tools that have been developed around the world for the protection and preservation of such knowledge.

Classic Intelectual Property systems, as well as “sui generis” legal systems of protection and preservation of traditional knowledge through public or multi-sectoral Organizations and institutions, public-private alliances, databases and information systems, or through multi- sectoral treaties and agreements.

Peru, represented by the Institute for the Defense of Competition and Protection of the Intellectual Property (INDECOPI), exposed its experience in the promotion of the registration of traditional knowledge from native communities, in relation to biodiversity. It also detailed the activities organized and measures implemented to prevent the grant of patents to inventions based on Peruvian traditional knowledge and/or genetic resources.

On 2002 Peru passed the Law No. 27811 recognizing and protecting the collective and traditional knowledge of native communities in relation to its biological resources. It creates public and confidential national registries for traditional knowledge, as well as local registries, regulates licenses, infringement actions, restoration of rights, among other measures.

The Potato International Center (CIP) exposed the experience of the access to protection of traditional knowledge from farmer communities related to Andean tubers, and the benefits obtained.

Representatives from China, Thailand, Mexico, New Zealand, USA, Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia and the Philippines also exposed their national experiences, as well as representatives from other non-APEC countries such as Brazil, India and Panama, but which have important public policies and protection systems that are internationally relevant.

This event, with close to 100 international representatives in attendance, fulfills one of the agreements adopted in the APEC meeting in Lima, on 2008, in which Peru accepted to lead the initiatives related to traditional knowledge.