Indigenous peoples and intellectual property
The intersection of the intellectual property (IP) system and the protection of Indigenous knowledge and cultural expressions is receiving increasing attention with Indigenous peoples in Canada, among government policy-makers and in international trade and policy fora. Indigenous peoples have a particular stake in this area as it relates to their broader interests in protecting their knowledge and culture and ensuring its appropriate use.
In spring 2018, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development announced the Intellectual Property Strategy as part of Canada's Innovation and Skills Plan. Building on the Government of Canada's commitments to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and to recognize Indigenous rights, the Strategy includes initiatives aimed at making Canada's IP system more inclusive and reflective of the needs and interests of Indigenous peoples.
Educational and awareness resources
Navigating traditional knowledge and intellectual property — The story of the Yakuanoi
Courtesy of the World Intellectual Property Organization.
Introduction to IP Rights and Protection of Indigenous Knowledge and Cultural Expressions in Canada
The relationship between IP and the protection of Indigenous knowledge and cultural expressions is complex and challenging. Learn more about their relationship in Introduction to Intellectual Property Rights and the Protection of Indigenous Knowledge and Cultural Expressions in Canada. This information is also available in Inuktitut PDF - 329 KB, Plains Cree PDF - 370 KB, Ojibwe PDF- 332 KB, Michif PDF — 196 KB and Mi'kmaq PDF - 323 KB.
Canadian Intellectual Property Office training and awareness raising
The Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) offers a number of training opportunities and information resources on intellectual property. They also develop customized training materials in partnership with Indigenous organizations, government departments, businesses, academia and regional offices.
Data Collection on Indigenous IP awareness and use
IP protections, services and resources remain widely underutilized by Indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs across Canada. Work to collect and analyze data on the awareness and use of IP protections, services and resources by Indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs has started and results are expected to be published in 2020.
First Nations, Inuit and Métis Experiences with Canada's Intellectual Property System
First Nations, Inuit and Métis Experiences with Canada's Intellectual Property System: Stonecircle Report Executive Summary provides a synthesis of the responses of the First Nations, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) respondents who participated in the qualitative research study regarding their knowledge of and experiences with Canada's IP system.
Funding and capacity building programs
Indigenous Intellectual Property Program
The Indigenous Intellectual Property Program grant supports Indigenous peoples' IP awareness and capacity building as well as participation in the development and implementation of law, policy and programs at both the domestic and international level relating to the relationship between IP and the protection of Indigenous knowledge and cultural expressions. The program, launched by the Minister on April 26, 2019, included support for the WIPO Voluntary Fund and Indigenous organizations in Canada.
Other governmental programs and initiatives
There are also a number of other Government of Canada programs that support the preservation, protection, and development of Indigenous knowledge and cultural expressions.
Domestic and international engagement
Government of Canada & WIPO Workshop in Iqaluit, Nunavut, May 2019
Workshops in Canada
Workshop on Traditional Knowledge, Traditional Cultural Expressions, and Intellectual Property
McGill University and Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)
January 30, 2020 (Montreal, Quebec)
Practical Workshop on Intellectual Property, Traditional Knowledge and Traditional Cultural Expressions for Countries from the Arctic Region
World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the Government of Canada
May 14-16, 2019 (Iqaluit, Nunavut)
Information sharing workshop on recognizing, promoting and protecting traditional knowledge and traditional cultural expressions
Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI) and Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED)
March 1, 2019 (Toronto, Ontario)
World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)
- Canada participates in international negotiations at the World Intellectual Property Organization Intergovernmental Committee on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Folklore (WIPO IGC) to conclude one or more legal instrument(s) for the protection of traditional knowledge, traditional cultural expressions and genetic resources. The Canadian delegation organizes a meeting with accredited observers and Indigenous representative organizations prior to each WIPO IGC session.
- WIPO also hosts an online Traditional Knowledge hub with information about WIPO's current work and including toolkits, guides, published resources, event information, training and educational opportunities and the Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities Portal.
ISED & the Centre for Intellectual Property Policy (McGill University) Workshop in Montreal, Quebec, January 2020
For more information or enquiries:
ic.ipstrategy-strategieenmatieredepi.ic@canada.ca
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