First Nations business owners came together for a workshop delivered by the Waalitj Hub in partnership with Terri Janke and Company, exploring how Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) and Intellectual Property rights can be protected in business.
The training provided participants with practical tools and knowledge to better understand the opportunities and challenges that come with building businesses that draw on culture, creativity and community knowledge.
Led by Dr Janke, a Jankea Wuthathi, Yadhaigana and Meriam woman and a nationally and internationally recognised expert on ICIP, the session unpacked the key differences between ICIP and Western intellectual property law, including copyright and trade marks. Participants gained a deeper understanding of where these systems intersect, where they can conflict, and how Indigenous cultural knowledge and collective rights can be respected and protected within a business context.
The workshop explored common ICIP considerations for businesses that draw on Indigenous stories, designs, language, knowledge and cultural. Attendees were introduced to the ICIP Protocols and the 10 True Tracks® Principles, providing a practical framework.
Participants also learned about copyright ownership, authorship and moral rights, as well as key considerations for licensing agreements, trade secrets and confidential business information. Discussions highlighted the importance of protecting business assets while ensuring cultural knowledge remains safeguarded for future generations.
A key focus of the workshop was the growing influence of artificial intelligence and the risks it can present for Indigenous businesses, particularly where cultural knowledge or creative works may be used without consent. The session provided practical strategies to help participants identify these risks and take proactive steps to protect their cultural and intellectual property.
Through the Waalitj Hub, First Nations business owners have access to a wide range of free services, including state-of-the-art facilities, mentoring from business coaches, industry connections, and independent professional services and training courses. Clients can receive specialised support in key business areas such as tendering, marketing, and legal. Since its establishment in 2020, the Waalitj Hub has assisted over 860 businesses in achieving their goals.
The Waalitj Hub supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people wanting to start, grow or sustain their businesses through a combination of in-house business coaching and access to professional support and is supported by the National Indigenous Australians Agency, as well as State Government and Corporate partners. Find out more.
