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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

The Australian Government acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and acknowledges their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to the people, the cultures and the Elders past and present.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website may contain images, voices and names of deceased persons.

IP Australia – Indigenous Knowledge Project

Culture and Capability
An illustration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Words: I P Australia’s Indigenous Knowledge consultations. Website: ipaustralia.gov.au/ik

This Indigenous Knowledge (IK) project aims to enhance the intellectual property system to so Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples can benefit from and protect their Indigenous Knowledge.

IP Australia is consulting on options to enhance Australia’s IP system to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to benefit from and protect their Indigenous Knowledge (IK).

The consultation is based on the following  topics:

  • Establish an Indigenous Advisory Panel – provide a formal Indigenous voice to IP Australia.
  • Enhance the process for trade marks and designs – support IK owners to benefit from, and consent to, the use of their IK.
  • Declare the source of IK in new innovations – encourage transparency and recognition of IK owners.
  • Explore interest in authenticity labelling – promote Indigenous products.

There are several ways to get involved:

Consultations close 24 May 2021.

Find out more

IP Australia use 'Indigenous Knowledge' or ‘IK’ as a term to cover a range of knowledge held and continually developed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Further information on terminology can be found at IP Australia Indigenous Knowledge webpage.

Visit the IK Project webpage to find out more about IP Australia’s work to support Indigenous Knowledge.