Intellectual Property & Protection of Traditional Knowledge

This book is an assessment of the adequacy or suitability of the various legal options on protection of traditional knowledge in the context of Nigeria. The options covered include the Intellectual Property Devices WIPO Draft Rules on Protection of Traditional Knowledge against Misappropriation and Misuse African Union Model Law on Protection of Traditional Knowledge of the Local Communities and Regulations on Protection of Varieties of Traditional Chinese Medicine. These options pose enormous challenges to Nigerian owners of traditional knowledge with purely basic orientation in customary law. The opportunities to protect traditional knowledge through any formal measures can only be meaningful where due cognizance is given to customary law. Therefore this book provides useful insights for policy makers and other stakeholders on the integration of customary rules into mechanisms for protecting traditional knowledge.