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July 10: India and Australia have signed an important agreement to improve the protection of traditional knowledge and strengthen the patent examination process.
The agreement allows Australia’s patent authorities to access India’s Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL), a specialised database that documents India’s centuries-old knowledge systems, including Ayurveda, Yoga, Siddha, Unani and other traditional practices.
The move will help patent examiners identify existing traditional knowledge while reviewing applications, reducing the chances of patents being granted for knowledge that is already part of India’s cultural and scientific heritage.
The agreement marks a new step in India–Australia cooperation in the field of intellectual property rights. It reflects both countries’ shared efforts to promote fair recognition of traditional knowledge and ensure that valuable heritage is protected in the global innovation system.
India’s TKDL has become an important tool in preserving traditional knowledge by making documented information available to patent authorities in a structured and accessible manner. Through this partnership, India and Australia aim to build a stronger and more transparent patent system while respecting the contributions of traditional communities.
