The National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI), Brazil and the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), India, have signed a cooperation arrangement granting INPI access to the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL).
This marks a significant step in strengthening global efforts to prevent biopiracy and misappropriation of traditional knowledge, while supporting Brazil in enhancing the quality of its patent examination process.
Key Highlights of the Agreement
- INPI, Brazil gains access to TKDL as a prior-art database.
- Enables better examination of:
- Novelty
- Inventive step
- Prior-art claims in patent applications
- Strengthens India’s global strategy to protect traditional knowledge.
- Enhances cooperation between India and Brazil in intellectual property protection.
With INPI’s inclusion, the total number of patent offices worldwide with access to TKDL has increased to 18.
About Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL)
- Established in 2001 by the Government of India through collaboration between:
- Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
- Ministry of AYUSH
Objective
- Prevent erroneous patent grants on Indian traditional knowledge.
- Safeguard India’s knowledge heritage from misappropriation.
Coverage of TKDL
The database contains:
- Over 5.2 lakh formulations and practices
- Derived from Indian systems of medicine: Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa, Yoga
Information is:
- Translated from multiple Indian languages
- Structured in scientific format
- Linked with modern scientific terminology
Language & Accessibility
The database is available in five international languages:
- English
- German
- French
- Japanese
- Spanish
Access is granted to patent offices under Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs).
Impact of TKDL
TKDL is regarded as a global benchmark for defensive protection of traditional knowledge.
Over 375 patent applications worldwide have been:
- Revoked
- Rejected
- Amended
- Withdrawn
- Abandoned