Cultural heritage is a tapestry woven from the memories, values, and creative expressions of us all—and it sits right at the heart of our shared identity. But in our accelerated culture and the rapidly evolving landscape of the 21st century, the protection and sustainable use of cultural heritage are not only matters of preservation but also of innovation and economic opportunity.

From the standpoint of IP, the notion of heritage has become both an asset and a responsibility. This piece explores the challenges of striking the right balance between tradition, innovation, and value.

Defining cultural heritage

The notion of cultural heritage hinges on a combination of tangible and intangible assets. That's anything from monuments, buildings, artworks, manuscripts, archaeological sites, or objects of historical significance. While intangible heritage is far subtler. It may refer to practices, representations, expressions, knowledge, and skills, often transmitted from generation to generation—folklore, rituals, crafts, languages, music and dance—the Māori Haka, hair and make-up traditions, beading, tattoos and more.

Both forms are vital to the continuity and vibrancy of societies. They foster a sense of belonging and continuity, linking the past with the present and future.

Clearly IP has a role at the centre of sustainable cultural heritage management in ensuring that these traditions and assets are available to future generations, without compromising authenticity or value. It's a critical balance between conservation, economic development, and community engagement.

Cultural heritage as IP assets

In recent years, the crossover between cultural heritage and intellectual property law has become increasingly significant. IP rights—copyright, trademarks, patents, and geographical indications—can be leveraged to protect and add value to heritage in innovative ways.

  • Copyright protects original works of authorship, including literary, musical, and artistic creations. Traditional stories, songs, and art forms may be eligible for copyright protection, especially when newly expressed or adapted. This enables creators and communities to control reproduction, adaptation, and commercialisation of their works.
  • Trademarks can safeguard symbols, logos, and names associated with cultural heritage, ensuring that they are not misused or exploited without permission. For example, indigenous communities may trademark traditional motifs or names to protect their cultural identity in the marketplace.
  • Geographical Indications (GIs) are marks used on products that have a specific regional origin and possess qualities or a reputation—such as Champagne, Darjeeling tea, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, or Pisco—an amber-coloured spirit produced in winemaking regions of Peru and Chile. GIs are powerful tools for linking cultural heritage to economic value, supporting sustainable livelihoods and regional development.
  • Patents are more generally granted for new inventions, but issues arise when inventions are based on traditional knowledge or resources. Many communities seek ways to protect traditional medicines, agricultural practices, and other forms of indigenous knowledge from appropriation, often through sui generis systems that recognise collective ownership and sustainability.

Understanding the value proposition and why heritage as IP matters

Recognising cultural heritage as an IP asset clearly offers multiple benefits.

  • Economic opportunities: Cultural tourism, creative industries, and the commercialisation of traditional arts and goods can generate significant revenue, create jobs, and drive regional development.
  • Empowerment and agency: When communities control the IP rights associated with their heritage, they gain agency to decide how it is used, shared, and monetised.
  • Preventing cultural misappropriation: IP protection helps deter unauthorised use and exploitation, preserving authenticity and preventing cultural dilution.
  • Innovation: Cultural heritage inspires new creations, fostering innovation in art, design, fashion, and other fields.

Balancing challenges and considerations

Despite its potential to safeguard, the application of IP law to cultural heritage is a thorny area fraught with complexity.

  • Collective versus individual ownership: Traditional knowledge and expressions are often collectively owned, which is often at odds with IP law as it tends to favour individual ownership and authorship.
  • Duration and scope: IP rights can carry time limits and may not align with the perpetual nature of cultural heritage.
  • Access and equity: Ensuring that communities benefit equitably from the commercialisation of their heritage is an ongoing challenge.
  • Globalization: The spread of cultural products across borders raises issues of consent, control, and benefit-sharing.

Lessons from history: Understanding the cultural wins and best practices

  • Indigenous art and IP protection: In Australia, Aboriginal artists have successfully used copyright and trademark law to protect their paintings and designs, ensuring fair compensation and recognition. The "Authentic Aboriginal" certification trademark helps buyers identify genuine indigenous products.
  • Geographical indications and regional economies: Numerous European regions have long used GIs to safeguard local products—from Roquefort cheese to Scotch whisky—turning tradition into economic advantage. The GI system has been increasingly adopted in developing countries to promote regional specialities and protect cultural identity.
  • Traditional knowledge databases: India’s Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) documents ancient medicinal knowledge, making it accessible to patent offices worldwide and preventing the misappropriation of traditional remedies.

Strategies for sustainable IP management of cultural heritage

Ensuring heritage assets and cultural know-how are managed sustainably, demands a multi- strategy approach.

  • Community engagement: Involve local communities and tradition-bearers in decision-making about how their heritage is documented, protected, and commercialised.
  • Legal reform: Adapt IP laws to recognize collective ownership, perpetual rights, and sui generis protection for traditional expressions and knowledge.
  • Capacity: Educate communities about their IP rights and how to use them effectively.
  • International co-operation: Work across borders to harmonise standards, prevent misappropriation and promote benefit-sharing.
  • Ethical commercialization: Design frameworks for fair trade, certification, and transparent benefit-sharing, ensuring that commercial success does not erode cultural integrity.

Inventing the future: Innovation rooted in tradition

As societies grapple with the pressures of modernization, globalization, and the impact of climate change, sustainable management of cultural heritage as IP assets becomes ever more urgent. New technologies—digital archives, blockchain, AI—are transforming how heritage is documented and protected. But the core principles remain—respect for tradition, empowerment of communities, and the pursuit of balanced conservation and innovation.

By recognising cultural heritage as a living, evolving intellectual property asset, we unlock new possibilities for creativity, economic development, and social cohesion. The challenge lies in honouring the past, nurturing the present, and safeguarding the future—for the benefit of all.

If you have any questions about protecting your cultural heritage as an IP asset, please contact the author or a member of our global IP team.