India and Australia have signed a Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) Access Agreement, allowing IP Australia to use India's TKDL database while examining patent applications.
The initiative aims to help patent examiners identify existing traditional knowledge as prior art, reducing the possibility of patents being granted for knowledge that already exists in India's traditional systems such as Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, and Yoga.
Developed by CSIR in collaboration with the Ministry of AYUSH, the TKDL contains over 5.2 lakh documented traditional formulations and practices. The agreement reflects both countries' commitment to strengthening intellectual property systems while safeguarding traditional knowledge through accurate patent examination.