This global primer surveys international initiatives on traditional knowledge, folklore, cultural heritage and genetic resources, and describes in a comprehensive manner regional and national principles of protection in Asia, Europe, Africa, Oceania, the Middle East, the United States and the Americas. The most innovative parts of the book discuss three key approaches. First, the book highlights the relevance of customary law, describes how it is recognized and applied in legal systems and assesses its effectiveness as an enforcement mechanism. Second, through selected cases, the book...