Published Paper Details:

Traditional knowledge is a knowledge which is passed on from generation to generation in a particular community. The knowledge, skill or know how is not known by people outside that particular community. Thereby it becomes an essential form of intellectual property and requires measures to keep it protected. Traditional knowledge are age old practices or methods which have been practiced through generations and hence a special degree of care has to be ensured to make sure that it sustains the winds of time. It is often observed on multiple occasions that they fail to survive the withering of time due to lack of protection and hence are easily infringed or due to lack of economic gain people tend to move away from it as earning day to day essentials is more important for survival. Internationally several measures have been taken to ensure protection of traditional knowledge but in India no such substantial step have been taken. The only effective step in this direction was the formulation of the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library. However, no specific legislation is in place for the protection of Tradition Knowledge. The paper would deal with the consequences of lack of protection of traditional knowledge and the possible ways to protect it. The paper would also focus on the fact that how existing IPR laws in India are not sufficient in ensuring the protection of traditional knowledge, hence the enactment of a separate legislation for protecting traditional knowledge is essential.