Intellectual Property Protection of Traditional Knowledge and Cultural Expressions in Tanzania: Regulating and Protecting Traditional Knowledge

Abstract

Traditional knowledge and Cultural Expressions of acommunity are essential elements not only in heritage andidentity of that community but also a valuable asset to thecommunity and nation as a whole. When carefully tapped,such traditional knowledge and cultural expressions canfurther the economy of a given society. Therefore, whenthese knowledge and expressions are not promoted asociety loses a great deal. Similarly, if such knowledge andexpressions are not protected, a society is robbed of a greatwealth and value. The use of such knowledge andexpressions by an individual, a group or a country withoutacknowledgement and approved appropriation, tend to harmthe owner of the valued Traditional Knowledge and CulturalExpressions. This amounts to misappropriation andinfringement of the same. Protection of such infringementsnecessitates proper measures and laws to be put in placefor safeguarding the said knowledge and expressions. Toachieve safeguarded knowledge and expressions of asociety, there needs to be appropriate legal framework thatis comprehensive and functioning as protection andpromotion tools for Traditional Knowledge and CulturalExpressions.Key words: Traditional Knowledge, Cultural Expressions,Intellectual Property, Protection, Misappropriation,Rights.