Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL)

Why in News?

The National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI), Brazil and the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), India have entered into a cooperation arrangement on access to the TKDL.

• It is a globally unique initiative established by the Government of India through a collaboration between CSIR and the Ministry of AYUSH.
• Established in – 2001.
• It is a first-of-its-kind database of prior art on Indian traditional knowledge.
• Aim - To prevent the erroneous grant of patents on Indian traditional knowledge and to safeguard the country’s knowledge heritage from misappropriation.
• Available Information - It currently contains information on formulations and practices drawn from Indian systems of medicine such as Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Sowa Rigpa, as well as Yoga, sourced from authoritative traditional texts.
• Knowledge from multiple languages and disciplines is translated, structured and linked with modern scientific and technical terminology.
• Available Languages - The database is available in 5 international languages—English, German, French, Japanese and Spanish thereby overcoming language and format barriers and enabling effective use by patent examiners worldwide.
• Access is provided to patent offices through Non-Disclosure Agreements.
• With the inclusion of INPI, Brazil, the number of patent offices worldwide with access to the TKDL rises to 18.
• The TKDL is widely regarded as a global benchmark for the defensive protection of traditional knowledge.
• India – Brazil Cooperation - Through this cooperation, the Brazilian Patent Office will gain access to the TKDL database for use during patent examination and grant procedures.
• Significance – It will strengthen India’s global efforts to prevent biopiracy and misappropriation of traditional knowledge.
• It also supports Brazil in improving the quality and efficiency of its patent examination process by facilitating better assessment of novelty and prior art.

Reference

PIB | TKDL