Indigenous knowledge, trademarks and cultural appropriation—A reflection on TimbuktuGlobal Yoruba trademark

This article examines cultural appropriation and trademark law against the backdrop of CultureTree’s cultural appropriation claim against TimbuktuGlobal for trademarking the word ‘Yoruba’ and the deliberations on the need for indigenous peoples’ consent for trademarks using their indigenous knowledge. The article takes the position that the claim that the use of the word ‘Yoruba’ as a trademark constitutes cultural appropriation is at best suspect when considered in light of the requirements for trademark registration and the relevant frameworks for safeguarding indigenous or traditional knowledge.