The Patents And Companies Registration Agency (PACRA) in its quest to enhance awareness and registration of Intellectual Property Rights has engaged traditional leaders.
Patents And Companies Registration Agency (PACRA) Registrar and CEO Mr. Benson Mpalo yesterday addressed the House of Chiefs in Lusaka, where he delved into the Protection of Traditional Knowledge, Genetic Resources and Expressions of Folklore Act No. 16 of 2016 which the agency administers.
Mr. Mpalo said the purpose of the law is to provide for a transparent legal framework for the protection, access and use of traditional knowledge, genetic resources and expressions of folklore, which also guarantees equitable sharing of benefits and effective participation of holders.
He stated that the law was enacted to ensure that the knowledge and cultural heritage that Zambian communities have kept for generations is protected from misuse and exploitation.
Mr. Mpalo added that the law recognises that traditional knowledge, natural resources, and cultural expressions do not belong to individuals, but to communities.
“Under this law, anyone whether a researcher, a company, or a foreigner who wishes to access or use our traditional knowledge, our plants, seeds, herbs, or our cultural expressions must first seek permission from the community through the traditional leadership”, said Mr. Mpalo.
And in a presentation to the gathering, PACRA Deputy Registrar – Intellectual Property Chewe Chilufya urged traditional leaders to document solutions such as the use of local herbs, plants and crop rotation systems that are passed on across generations.
Mr. Chilufya further advised traditional leaders to be able to challenge people or companies claiming to have made discoveries when they are adopting solutions from their respective chiefdoms.
Meanwhile House of Chiefs Chairperson Chief Choongo commended the PACRA top brass for unpacking IP to traditional leaders and helping them enhance their understanding.
And Chief Mumbi of Petauke District echoed the Chairperson’s sentiments adding that traditional leaders have now been empowered by PACRA to effectively participate in discourse on IP.
PACRA PR UNIT