Friday, March 30, 2007 Trademarks for traditional products By Clint Fabiosa & Andrew Ong I protect
TRADITIONAL knowledge refers to tradition-based innovations and creations resulting from intellectual activity in the industrial, scientific, literary or artistic fields.
These have been largely overlooked by the intellectual property (IP) community until quite recently.
It is now increasingly recognized that the economic value of traditional knowledge assets could be further enhanced by the use of IP.
Holders of traditional knowledge in the Philippines should explore how best to commercialize innovations of practical applications by utilizing various intellectual property approaches including patent, trademark or copyright laws.
Examples of traditional knowledge whose innovations need IP protection are: preparation of nata de coco, use of ilang-ilang (cananga odorata) extracts for perfumes, traditional songs and dances and herbal medicines, among others.
