Traditional knowledge products in Latin America and their misappropriation

Legal context The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has highlighted problems relating to the protection of traditional knowledge and its misappropriation by commercial organizations. Key points The recognition of sociodiversity and biodiversity is essential for the implementation of mechanisms that can ensure the existence of both. Free Trade Agreements should be developed with a spirit of respect to knowledge and resources, where the authorities of the countries in questions must ensure the welfare of their inhabitants. Practical significance The case studies presented in this article illustrate typical examples of appropriation of resources and traditional knowledge of the indigenous communities of Latin America.