Nod for controversial indigenous knowledge law

"The much disputed Intellectual Property Laws Amendment Bill — which will give protection to indigenous knowledge under SA’s existing intellectual property laws — has finally been approved by a parliamentary committee after nearly two years of deliberations and despite strong opposition. The Democratic Alliance (DA), Inkatha Freedom Party and the Freedom Front Plus all voted against the bill on Friday, arguing the bid to incorporate indigenous knowledge into the existing legislative framework for intellectual property would have negative consequences. They said it would not provide indigenous communities with the benefits expected from royalty payments, would hamper economic activity and would act as a disincentive to investment. The opposition MPs and experts in the field have argued for a separate and unique law dedicated in its entirety to indigenous knowledge, on the grounds that such knowledge does not have the characteristics — such as a single originator who could claim ownership of it — required to be treated on the same basis as other forms of intellectual property...."