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TITLE I. Definitions

SEC. 101. Definitions

In this Act:

(1) INNOVATION means any invention, technique, method, process, practice, design, genetic resource, traditional knowledge, or creative work.

(2) TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE means knowledge, innovations, and practices of Indigenous peoples and local communities embodying traditional lifestyles relevant for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity, including:

  • Agricultural Practices
  • Medicinal Knowledge
  • Ecological Management
  • Spiritual/Ceremonial Practices
  • Artistic/Cultural Expressions

(3) BIOPIRACY means the appropriation of genetic resources or traditional knowledge without prior informed consent and fair benefit-sharing, including:

  • Patenting of Traditional Knowledge
  • Unauthorized Commercialization of Genetic Resources
  • Failure to Credit or Compensate Originators

(4) INTELLECTUAL IMPERIALISM means the systematic theft, appropriation, or erasure of innovations from marginalized communities, including:

  • Global South Nations
  • Indigenous Peoples (Domestic and International)
  • Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)
  • Women
  • LGBTQ+ Individuals
  • Poor Inventors
  • Any Community Historically Excluded from Credit/Compensation

(5) PRIOR INFORMED CONSENT means the free, informed, and voluntary agreement of communities or individuals who are the holders of traditional knowledge or genetic resources, obtained before access is granted.

(6) BENEFIT-SHARING means fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources or traditional knowledge, including:

  • Monetary Compensation
  • Technology Transfer
  • Capacity-Building
  • Joint Research
  • Recognition and Attribution

(7) TECHNOLOGY COMMONS means a publicly accessible repository of knowledge, techniques, and innovations free from patent restrictions, available for use by all.

(8) EPISTEMIC JUSTICE means the recognition that knowledge is produced globally and collectively, and that all knowledge producers deserve credit, respect, and compensation.

(9) ORIGINATOR means the individual, community, or nation that created, developed, or has custodianship of an innovation, including:

  • Individual Inventors
  • Indigenous Nations/Communities
  • Countries of Origin (for Traditional Knowledge)
  • Research Teams (ALL Members, Not Just the Principal Investigators)

(10) FEDERAL SUPPORT means any funding, grant, contract, loan guarantee, tax credit, subsidy, or other resource provided by the United States government or its agencies.