Indigenous knowledge and Intellectual Property Rights Themes

Four themes will focus the workshop's treatment of IPR.

Theme 1: Impact of IPR on socio-economic development

  • The characteristics and historical development of the following, and their impact on STI:
    • Patent law.
    • Trademark law
    • Design law
    • Copyright law.
  • Plant Breeders' Rights Act, 1976 (Act No. 15 of 1976).
  • The implications of the TRIPS Agreement on developing nations and its impact on innovation.
  • The impact of current IPR legislation on indigenous knowledge systems.
  • The development agenda and its impact on the protection of intellectual property relating to STI.

Theme 2: Technology transfer

  • TRIPS provisions relating to technology transfer.
  • Key considerations and terms for concluding technology transfer contracts or licence agreements.
  • Impact of frameworks and policies for the management of intellectual property developed through public financing and their impact on innovation.

Theme 3: Impact of IPR on indigenous knowledge and genetic resources

  • Introduction of international discussion on indigenous knowledge.
  • Introduction of international discussion on access and benefit sharing related to genetic resources, and on innovation, with special focus on genetic resources available across borders.
  • SADC and AU positions on the Intergovernmental Committee on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Folklore.
  • SADC and AU position on access and benefit-sharing (Article 8 of the Convention on Biodiversity).

Theme 4: Enforcement mechanisms for IPR

  • Requirements for an effective IPR protection system.
  • Registration and regulation.
  • Monitoring and enforcement of intellectual property legislation.
  • Examples of infringement.