Who Owns Traditional Knowledge?

The protection of traditional knowledge is one of the major issues addressed in WTO negotiations. The question assumes significance because traditional knowledge consists of information in the public domain as well as trade secrets; novelty thresholds of patent laws of countries differ greatly and are notoriously low in countries where the pharmaceutical industry is strongest; and, patentability under TRIPS does not require prior informed consent of countries or communities from where organic and informational resources are procured.