Indigenous Traditional Knowledge And Intellectual Property Protection: A Political Science Perspective

Indigenous traditional knowledge (ITK) plays a crucial role in India’s cultural heritage, environmental sustainability, and economic development. However, the globalization of markets and advancements in intellectual property rights (IPR) have led to concerns over the misappropriation and exploitation of traditional knowledge by corporations and foreign entities. Despite India's rich history of indigenous practices in medicine (such as Ayurveda), agriculture, and handicrafts, legal mechanisms to protect this knowledge remain complex and politically challenging. This study examines the intersection of intellectual property protection and indigenous traditional knowledge from a political science perspective, analyzing the role of the Indian government, international organizations, and legal frameworks such as the Biological Diversity Act (2002) and the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL). The study also explores India’s position in global negotiations, particularly within the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the World Trade Organization (WTO), regarding the recognition and safeguarding of traditional knowledge. Furthermore, the research highlights the conflicts between corporate patent rights and community-based knowledge systems, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that respects indigenous rights while fostering innovation. The findings suggest that India must strengthen legal protections, promote benefit-sharing agreements, and actively engage in global policymaking to safeguard its indigenous intellectual heritage