Diversity in Intellectual Property: Identities, Interests, and Intersections

by Irene Calboli (Editor), Srividhya Ragavan (Editor)

This book aims to create an interface between intellectual property and diversity – including cultural, biological, religious, racial, and gender based-diversity. While acknowledging that the historical rationale for intellectual property protection is based on theories of utilitarian incentives and property rights, the authors of this volume assert that the current intellectual property framework is not incompatible with including diversity as part of its objectives. Through its various themes, this book delves into the debate of whether such inclusion can be made possible and how intellectual property norms could be effectively used to protect and promote diversity. In this volume, leading scholars address ongoing regional, national, and international debates within the contexts of diversity, the existing legal framework, and the broader political and economic climate. The authors tackle such wide-ranging topics as the prohibition against trademarking slurs and concepts of intellectual property in ancient Indian texts.

562 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2015