Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) database

The Cabinet has approved the “Widening access of the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) database to users, besides patent offices”.

The Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) is a prior art database of Indian traditional knowledge established in 2001, jointly by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and Department of Indian Systems of Medicine and Homeopathy (ISM&H, now Ministry of AYUSH).

The TKDL is a first of its kind globally and has been serving as an exemplary model to other nations

The TKDL currently contains information from existing literature related to ISM such as Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa and Yoga

The information is documented in a digitized format in five international languages which are English, German, French, Japanese and Spanish

TKDL provides information in languages and format understandable by patent examiners at Patent Offices worldwide, so as to prevent the erroneous grant of patents

Until now, access to the complete TKDL database is restricted to 14 Patent Offices worldwide for the purposes of search and examination

This defensive protection through TKDL has been effective in safeguarding Indian traditional knowledge from misappropriation, and is considered a global benchmark.

The opening up of the TKDL database to users is an ambitious and forward-looking action by the Government of India

This will be a new dawn for Indian traditional knowledge, as the TKDL will drive research & development, and innovation based on India’s valued heritage across diverse fields.

The opening up of the TKDL is also envisaged to inculcate thought and knowledge leadership through Bharatiya Gnana Parampara, under the New Education Policy 2020.

The access to the TKDL database would be through a paid subscription model with a phase-wise opening to national and international users.

Earlier this year in April, the World Health Organization (WHO) established its first off-shore Global Centre for Traditional Medicines (GCTM) in India.