Appropriation of knowledge: cultural domination.

Abstract

According to the WTO document “The protection of traditional knowledge and folklore”, one of the main reasons for international action to protect traditional knowledge is the economic benefit obtained from its use. This document sets out that traditional knowledge can be patented only when
it is used as a basis for further innovations, there is an authorization for such use by those who have rights over that knowledge, and if they receive an adequate economic compensation.

In this article we argue that goods are social constructions that people shapes according to the purposes, values and meanings of their own culture. In spite of the fact that traditional knowledge are social goods, commercial interests predominate over them, so they are readily converted into merchandise.

The aim of this article is to show first, that WTO criteria for appropriation and protection of traditional knowledge, rather than moving forward to justice conditions, it supports mercantile practices dominance over other social practices. Second, that the only ones who have legitimate right to decide on traditional knowledge are the communities who have generated and preserved it throughout history.