Le patrimoine immatériel et la propriété intellectuelle: défis et perspectives d´avenir

What is the relevance of intellectual property to the subject matter of the UNESCO Convention for the safeguarding of the intangible cultural heritage? What is the nature of the relationship between intellectual property protection and the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage? This article briefly examines these questions further, with reference to work taking place at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) concerning the protection of traditional knowledge and expressions of traditional cultures/folklore. It will touch upon the following issues: (i) The meaning of intellectual property protection; (ii) The intellectual property-related needs and expectations of Indigenous and other cultural communities; (iii) The relationship between intellectual property protection and the safeguarding of cultural heritage; (iv) Cultural and legal policy challenges and (v) The results of WIPOs work so far