India, Australia Sign CSIR-TKDL Access Agreement with IP Australia
Why in the news
India and Australia agreed in July 2026 to give IP Australia access to CSIR’s Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL), following the India-Australia Annual Summit. Traditional knowledge protection is a recurring topic in science and international relations.
Key facts
- Agreement: finalised 9 July 2026 at the 3rd India-Australia Annual Summit, Melbourne, with PM Narendra Modi and Australian PM Anthony Albanese present.
- Purpose: help IP Australia identify prior art and avoid wrong patents on documented traditional knowledge.
- Content: over 5.2 lakh formulations and practices from five Indian systems, available in English, German, French, Japanese and Spanish.
- Reach: 18 patent offices have access under non-disclosure agreements.
- Impact: TKDL evidence has helped revoke, reject, amend or withdraw more than 375 patent applications worldwide.
About CSIR-TKDL
TKDL is a database run by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). Dr N. Kalaiselvi is CSIR Director General, and Dr Viswajanani J. Sattigeri heads the TKDL Unit.
Exam angle
- Know the parties: CSIR (India) and IP Australia.
- Systems covered: Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa and Yoga.
- Numbers: 5.2 lakh formulations, 18 patent offices.
- Concept: prior art protects traditional knowledge from wrongful patents.