The Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) is a pioneering project spearheaded by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in collaboration with the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India. It serves as a digital repository documenting vast traditional knowledge, primarily from the fields of Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Sowa-Rigpa. The TKDL acts as a bridge between ancient wisdom and modern patent systems.
Objectives of TKDL
- Prevent Biopiracy: Protect India’s traditional knowledge from misappropriation and grant of erroneous patents by documenting this knowledge in a structured format.
- Facilitate Research: Provide access to researchers worldwide on traditional formulations and practices, enabling evidence-based exploration and development while respecting intellectual property rights.
- Resource for Patent Examiners: Equip international patent offices with TKDL access during patent examination to prevent the grant of unjustified patents based on India’s existing knowledge.
How TKDL Works
- Documentation and Translation: Expert teams meticulously translate and convert traditional knowledge from ancient texts written in languages like Sanskrit, Arabic, Urdu, Persian, and Tamil into patent-compatible formats (English, French, German, Spanish, and Japanese).
- Classification: TKDL adopts the International Patent Classification (IPC) system, enabling easy comparison with patent applications and establishing prior art.
- TKDL Access Agreements: TKDL access is provided to international patent offices after signing of agreements that include clauses to protect against misuse of the information.
Impact of TKDL
- Challenging Misappropriation: The TKDL has been instrumental in successfully challenging several patent applications that attempted to claim traditional Indian knowledge as new inventions.
- Global Recognition: TKDL is recognized internationally as a successful defensive, prior art tool in patent disputes.
Case Study: The Turmeric Patent
In 1995, a US patent was granted for the use of turmeric in wound healing. The TKDL provided evidence from ancient texts demonstrating turmeric’s traditional use, leading to the patent’s revocation.
FAQs about TKDL
- Does TKDL restrict use of traditional knowledge? No, it aims to prevent misappropriation while encouraging legitimate research and knowledge-sharing
- How is TKDL different from a regular library? TKDL is not publicly accessible. It provides access only to patent offices for the specific purpose of patent examination.
MCQs
- The primary purpose of TKDL is to:
- A. Promote the export of herbal products
- B. Protect traditional knowledge from biopiracy
- C. Provide free medical treatment to all
- D. Construct modern infrastructure
- TKDL primarily documents knowledge related to:
- A. Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Sowa-Rigpa
- B. Modern scientific inventions
- C. Architectural designs
- D. Wildlife conservation
Answer Key: 1-B, 2-A
Conclusion
The Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) stands as a testament to India’s commitment to safeguarding its intellectual wealth embedded in traditional medicine systems. It’s a model for other countries seeking to protect their intangible heritage. The success of TKDL lies in its thorough documentation, strategic partnerships with patent offices, and its contribution to a more equitable global intellectual property landscape.