All Publications

TK and TCEs Again Under Focus at 37th WIPO IGC

On August 27, 2018, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Intergovernmental Committee on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Folklore (IGC) reconvened in Geneva for its 37th session. The August 27-31 meeting is the third under the 2018-2019 biennium of the IGC and also the first opportunity for the experts to further advance negotiations on two texts for traditional knowledge (TK) and traditional cultural expressions (TCEs) under the current two-year program.

ICTs in Agricultural Production and Potential Deployment in Operationalising Geographical Indications in Uganda

Open AIR (African Innovation Research) Network
Working Paper No. 14 (2018)
Co-authored w/ Tesh Dagne

Tiered or Differentiated Approach to Traditional Knowledge and Traditional Cultural Expressions: The Evolution of a Concept

CIGI Papers
No. 185 (2018)

Artistes Need Opt-Out Clauses in Contracts They Sign

Following recent spats between artistes and their record labels in the entertainment industry, a Professor of Intellectual Property and Innovation, University of Ottawa, Canada, Prof. Chidi Oguamanam, has advised musicians to ensure they have what he called opt-out clauses and flexible terms in their contracts with labels.

Speaking in an interview with our correspondent, he said that in every contract there should be a point indicating that the contract be revised if not working in favour of both parties.

Interviews and CommentaryChidi OguamanamAugust 15, 2018Contract Law

US Fails to Block Progress over Genetic Resources Text at WIPO-IGC 36

After six days of deliberations (June 24-29, 2018) to secure a mature text for the protection of genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge, delegates left the negotiations with mixed feeling while remaining resolute on the progress made. The mixed feeling arose from the decision of the United States and its ally, Japan, not to support the transmission of the resulting text of the negotiations: REV 2 to the 40th IGC as a consensus document pursuant to the ongoing mandate of the IGC for the current biennium.

Blog PostChidi OguamanamJuly 7, 2018Indigenous, USA, Japan, WIPO, Traditional Culture, Africa, Australia

US Fails to Block Progress over Genetic Resources Text at WIPO-IGC 36

On June 26, 2018, the long running World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Intergovernmental Committee on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Folklore (IGC) reconvened in Geneva for its 36th session. Since 2000, the IGC has had a mandate to negotiate text-based instrument(s) for the effective protection of genetic resources, traditional knowledge and folklore (alternatively known as traditional cultural expressions).

Blog PostChidi OguamanamJune 27, 2018Africa, IP and Knowledge Governance, WIPO, Traditional Culture

World Intellectual Property Day: Will the Government’s New IP Strategy Adequately Address Indigenous Traditional Knowledge?

World Intellectual Property Day was April 26. The day aims to promote innovation and creativity for intellectual property (IP) as well as recognize achievements made across the globe by inventors and creators. As part of the Canada’s celebration, Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, launched Canada’s first IP Strategy.

Blog PostChidi OguamanamMay 1, 2018IP and Knowledge Governance, Canada, International

WIPO Expert Committee on Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Traditional Cultural Expressions Takes Another Look at Draft Genetic Resources Text in 2018

For the 35th time in 18 years, experts have yet again gathered at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) headquarters in Geneva where they are scheduled to remain in deliberation between March 19 and 23, 2018. This meeting of the WIPO IGC is at the instance of the body’s renewed mandate for the 2018 and 2019 biennium after it failed, last year, to secure the transition of its draft texts.

Wandering Footloose: Traditional Knowledge and the "Public Domain" Revisited

Journal of World Intellectual Property
Vol. 21, No. 5-6 (2018)

Sustainable Development Through a Cross-Regional Research Partnership

In The Cambridge Handbook of Public-Private Partnerships, Intellectual Property Governance, and Sustainable Development
Margaret Chon, Pedro Roffe & Ahmed Abdel-Latif, eds.
(New York: Cambridge University Press, 2018)
Co-authored w/ Jeremy de Beer

Book ChapterChidi OguamanamJanuary 1, 2018Africa, IP and Knowledge Governance

Access and Benefit Sharing, Canadian and Aboriginal Research Ethics Policy After the Nagoya Protocol: Digital DNA and Transformations in Biotechnology

Journal of Environmental Law and Policy
Vol. 31, No. 1 (2017)
Co-authored w/ Vipal Jain

Journal ArticleChidi OguamanamDecember 1, 2017IP and Knowledge Governance, Indigenous, International

Agriculture and the Future of Africa

Africa is continent of 55 countries and thousands of nationalities with incredible human and cultural diversity. In addition to its wealth of incredible diversity, Africa is the youngest and fastest growing continent. How can the continent harness this incredible potential which could readily flip into unprecedented tragedy if not well-managed? That is the big question for the future of Africa. That future is at the intersection of strength and a ticking time bomb.

Op-EdChidi OguamanamOctober 31, 2017Agriculture and Biodiversity, Africa, IP and Knowledge Governance

Instituting Geographical Indications in Vanilla and Sesame Production in Uganda: The Role of Producers

Open AIR (African Innovation Research) Network
Study on Geographic Indicators of Specialized Agricultural Production in Uganda
Co-researched with Tesh Dagne

OtherChidi OguamanamSeptember 25, 2017Africa, IP and Knowledge Governance, Uganda, Agriculture and Biodiversity

Ramifications of WIPO IGC for IP and Development

In Protecting Traditional Knowledge: The WIPO Intergovernmental Committee on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Folklore
D. F. Robinson, A. Abdel-Latif & P. Roffe, eds.
(New York: Routledge, 2017)

Rethinking Copyright for Indigenous Creative Works

As it embarks on another five-year periodic review of the Copyright Act, Canada has an opportunity to reflect on its copyright regime in light of the gaps that exist between it and Indigenous creative works. Indigenous creative works refer to myriad forms, manifestations, or expressions of Indigenous cultural heritage and identity, ranging from stories, folklore and songs, to dances, rituals, symbols, protocols and practices. These collectively link Indigenous peoples with their land, ecological orientation and worldviews, as well as their past, present, and future.