Patents, intellectual property rights, biopiracy … these terms are appearing more and more frequently in the news. It is clear even to the layperson that these are controversial issues. What is not so clear is what they mean. What implications do they have for an ordinary citizen? Why are they such a hot topic of debate? What connection do intellectual property rights (IPRs) have with biological resources? What is the link to India’s traditional knowledge, such as the medicinal properties of turmeric that were patented in the USA a few years ago?

This handbook introduces the world of IPRs, biodiversity and biodiversity-related traditional knowledge in clear, simple language. Presented in a Question & Answer format, it begins with the most basic questions and progresses to more complex issues, making it easily accessible to laypersons as well as those who are already familiar with the subject. The Jargon Buster section breaks through the complicated language commonly used in IPR-related writing, and is designed to be a handy reference.

IPRs and private monopolies over biological resources and related traditional knowledge can have direct negative effects on India’s food security, biological diversity, the protection of traditional knowledge, and the rights of traditional communities such as farmers and forest dwellers.

Despite the wide-ranging implications of IPRs, debate on these issues is restricted to a relatively small number of policy-makers and academics. The overall impression is that ‘IPRs’ is a subject that only specialists can deal with. This needs to change - especially because IPR-related policies and decisions affect all of us, often adversely. The world of IPRs must be demystified, and enter national mainstream debate so that advocacy groups, NGOs, media persons, public servants, local communities and all other citizens can understand and engage with the issues.

This handbook is a step towards filling the gap of user-friendly information and encouraging mainstream debate on IPRs, biodiversity and traditional knowledge. It is hoped that readers will use this handbook in a variety of ways: to design their advocacy campaigns, to take the debate into the mainstream media, or to engage with their government whether as public servants, as informed members of the public, or as organized campaigners.

This publication is part of the Biodiversity Information Pack, produced by Kalpavriksh, GRAIN  and IIED.

Contributory amount Rs.150/-, USD15