Te Mana Whakamahi Mō Ngā Toi Māori

Copyright and IP beyond Legal Frameworks

The protection of Māori cultural knowledge sits at the intersection of intellectual property (IP) law and tikanga. While legal frameworks, such as copyright and trademark law, offer some safeguards, they are fundamentally limited in addressing the collective and intergenerational nature of Māori. These laws prioritise individual ownership, fixed durations, and commercial transactions, often failing to recognize the holistic, relational, and ongoing responsibilities embedded in cultural heritage.

Existing IP systems do not adequately prevent cultural appropriation, as they are largely based on Western legal principles that do not align with Indigenous worldviews.

Artificial intelligence (AI) systems are training on information unwittingly shared, and some have been trained on stolen information including Indigenous knowledge and artistic expressions, without consent or proper attribution. This further exacerbates issues of misappropriation and challenges the ability of creative and Indigenous communities to control their own intellectual and cultural property.

Come along and hear more about these issues, share your experiences, and find out what steps you could take to protect yourself.

Presenters: Lynell Tuffery Huria Ngāti Ruanui, Ngāruahinerangi, Ngaa Rauru Kiitahi; Dr Karaitiana Taiuru Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Rārua, Ngāti Kahungunu, Moira Lomas Ngāi Tahu, Kāti Mamoe, Waitaha.

The Toi Iho Charitable Trust Board is committed to the promotion of high-quality authentic Māori art and Māori artists through the controlled application and use of Toi Iho trademark Māori Made, The Best of Māori Art.