The Heritable Innovation Trust Program was created after the 2008 "Heritable Knowledge Framework and the Development of Communal Innovation Trusts" document written by Dr. David Martin. However, reaching from the newest soil erupting from Tavurvur in Papua New Guinea, to the Ecuadorian Amazon, to the oldest and largest known empire on Earth in Mongolia, the Heritable Innovation Trust is quickly diversifying and growing.
The traditional intellectual property frameworks of the major areas, such as Europe and The U.S. are based on many values which do not apply in many cultures around the world. The reason for this is inherent in Heritable Knowledge. Heritable Knowledge has four main dynamics which make it different from traditional intellectual property.
1.Heritable Knowledge has been used or maintained by past generations and it is utilized and adaptable for present and future generations. This is important because the heritability of the knowledge is derived from its ability to synthesize the environmental changes and technological advances of each generation.
2.Heritable Knowledge is passed down and remembered through cultural customs, as opposed to strictly formatted documentation. Unlike knowledge "property" there is neither "creator" nor "created work". Rather all are simultaneously stewards and adaptors. This knowledge is recorded in various forms of expression such as paintings, ceremonies, carvings, song, dance, and storytelling.
3.Heritable Knowledge is animated through constant consideration of its original intent. Without consideration, the knowledge loses its value within the community and is increasingly vulnerable to misuse. When the values of the community take a backseat to individual aspirations the knowledge is no longer fulfilling its original purpose- serving the community. As much of this knowledge is based in cultural traditions, respect for the community inextricably assumes engagement within communal values which are celebrated when engaged and shunned when disrespected or circumvented.
4.Heritable Knowledge is not owned by an individual or generation, rather it is stewarded by the community as a whole. This precludes exploitation or monopolization of the knowledge, as it cannot be sold because it lacks a single creator and therefore a legal transferring counter party.
The Heritable Innovation Trust Program was formed to deploy a legal framework to deal with intellectual property impositions and simultaneously provide the statutory basis for a relevant regional management of Heritable Knowledge.
Often times countries under duress will enter or contemplate entering into the WTO or Free Trade Agreements in an effort to gain market access and market supply for goods and services. However, these agreements are set forth by traditional property law. While traditional property law works for many countries it does not provide an economic vehicle for countries with intellectual property that is largely based on heritable knowledge. Heritable knowledge can only derive economical value through contract law (in the form of transfers, licenses, leases etc). Therefore, it is contract, not property, law that is the engine of economic engagement. The Heritable Innovation Trust Program uses contract law to help develop economic flow in these areas.
