Indigenous Intellectual Property: A Handbook of Contemporary Research (Research Handbooks in Intellectual Property series) - Tapa dura

`This comprehensive introduction to challenges and possibilities in the recognition of indigenous intellectual property combines informative sections on the formal legal framework with richly detailed and historically contextualized accounts of key cases and developments. Connections to other big issues such as climate change and the digital revolution are well-drawn, while an insistent critical voice displays concern for indigenous agency, the tension between universality and cultural distinctiveness, and the place of indigenous customary law and sovereignty in intellectual property debates.' -- Kirsten Anker, McGill University, Canada `Since the early 1990s, several collections on indigenous peoples and intellectual property have been published. But for depth, breadth and legitimacy, this one is the best so far. It delves into all conceivable facets of the problem. The geographical coverage is comprehensive. The authors are all outstanding scholars who write well, clearly and with authority and genuine devotion. It is especially gratifying to see contributions from indigenous people and experts with practical experience. This book is highly recommended.' -- Graham Dutfield, University of Leeds, UK `Overall, Mathew Rimmer's Handbook of Contemporary Research on Indigenous Intellectual Property Issues provides a comprehensive overview of the complex legal and policy landscape that indigenous peoples, governments and inter-governmental processes are all trying to use, amend and negotiate in order to design more effective long-term cultural protection. The majority of authors throughout this collection situate their analysis within relevant international norms and standards. The publication therefore is a useful resource not only for those following indigenous intellectual property issues but also those interested in international law and the responsiveness (or lack thereof) of international processes to redress and address historical and current indigenous concerns about the lack of legal protection afforded to indigenous cultures, traditions, values and knowledge.' -- Maori Law Review

Taking an interdisciplinary approach unmatched by any other book on this topic, this thoughtful Handbook considers the international struggle to provide for proper and just protection of Indigenous intellectual property (IP). In light of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples 2007, expert contributors assess the legal and policy controversies over Indigenous knowledge in the fields of international law, copyright law, trademark law, patent law, trade secrets law, and cultural heritage. The overarching discussion examines national developments in Indigenous IP in the United States, Canada, South Africa, the European Union, Australia, New Zealand, and Indonesia. The Handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the historical origins of conflict over Indigenous knowledge, and examines new challenges to Indigenous IP from emerging developments in information technology, biotechnology, and climate change. Practitioners and scholars in the field of IP will learn a great deal from this Handbook about the issues and challenges that surround just protection of a variety of forms of IP for Indigenous communities.