Intellectual Property and Traditional Cultural Expression

This book provides an in-depth analysis of the different methods that have been proposed to protect traditional cultural expressions (TCEs) by using intellectual property rights.

Intellectual Property and Traditional Cultural Expressionexamines the possibility of protecting TCEs with copyright laws on the one hand, and 'origin related' intellectual property rights, such as trademarks, certification marks, geographical indications and laws against misrepresentation on the other.

In particular, it examines which rights are conceptually best suited for the protection of TCEs, and appear more appropriate to meet the range of concerns raised by the holders of that knowledge and policy makers in culturally-rich developing countries.

Providing a range of case studies, this book will prove a stimulating read for academics, practitioners, international organisations and policymakers. It will also greatly benefit law or political sciences postgraduate students with an interest in intellectual property and traditional knowledge, traditional cultural expressions, and development.