Artwork permission and credit: © Dalmarri.
Our approach
We work with First Nations peoples, communities, organisations, government and international partners to improve how Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) is considered within the IP system. This includes consultation, policy development, legislative reform and international engagement.
Our approach is guided by our First Nations Strategy 2025–2030 and supports the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
Domestic and international reform
Find out about work in Australia and internationally relating to ICIP and the IP system.
The Australian Government has committed to working with First Nations peoples to develop standalone legislation to recognise and protect First Nations Traditional Knowledge and Traditional Cultural Expressions, including to address the harm caused by fake art, merchandise and souvenirs.
The Office for the Arts is taking the lead in the development of this legislation.
The World Intellectual Property Organization's (WIPO) Intergovernmental Committee on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Folklore (IGC) is the main international forum to consider ways forward globally.
Alongside other countries involved in the IGC, IP Australia contributes to negotiations, engages with First Nations peoples and works with international partners to explore how IP systems can better respond to recognition and use of ICIP, also known as Traditional Knowledge, Traditional Cultural Expressions and genetic resources.
The IGC's work led to the WIPO Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge, commonly called the GRATK Treaty.
The Treaty establishes an international standard for disclosure of source requirements in patent applications involving genetic resources and associated Traditional Knowledge. It aims to improve transparency in the patent system about the use of genetic resources and associated Traditional Knowledge.
It is important to note that the Treaty does not create a new IP right for Traditional Knowledge.
Australia has signed the Treaty and is considering the next steps required before becoming bound by it.
Read the full GRATK treaty.