Coordination: Mònica Martínez Mauri
Given the current commodification of indigenous cultural expressions, affirmations supporting the exclusive rights to their material culture are becoming more prominent, and the debate intensifies regarding the distribution of benefits derived from the commercial exploitation of images, designs, or traditional knowledge. The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (2007) includes several articles that highlight the right of these peoples to control, protect, and develop their cultural heritage. The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has established an Intergovernmental Committee to negotiate new instruments for protecting the intellectual property of Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge, and Traditional Cultural Expressions. Year after year, the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues attempts to draw the attention of academics to promote studies that will help generate new protection mechanisms. From CINAF’s perspective, it is necessary to reflect on the integration of some indigenous cultural expressions into the global market, considering their reconceptualization as heritage, merchandise, and intellectual property.