Protecting Indigenous cultural and intellectual property rights

The Australian Government has committed to introducing new laws to protect First Nations traditional knowledge and cultural expressions, including to address the harm caused by fake art, merchandise and souvenirs. First Nations traditional knowledge and cultural expressions can also be referred to as 'Indigenous cultural and intellectual property' or 'ICIP'.

What is ICIP?

Indigenous cultural and intellectual property is a broad term which is used to refer to the rights Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have to their heritage and culture. ICIP includes knowledge, songlines, language, dance, symbols and art as well as medicines, language, bush foods, sacred sites and ecological knowledge.

What we're doing

This commitment to develop new laws through a First Nations-led process was announced in the National Cultural Policy, Revive: a place for every story, a story for every place on 30 January 2023.

Watch Patricia Adjei, Wuthathi and Mabuiag Islander and Director of the Stand-alone Legislation team, talk about what we're doing to protect Indigenous cultural and intellectual property rights. Trish shares some of the feedback received during first round engagement sessions from communities across Australia.

Hear from First Nations artists and industry workers

First Nations artists and industry workers share their insights and experiences with fake art and ICIP, and the effect it has on First Nations artists and communities.

There are 5 short videos in the series. Topics include:

What does fake or inauthentic art mean to you?
What would you like consumers to know before purchasing Indigenous art?
Have you experienced cultural harm because someone used your artwork without permission?
Why is the protection of Indigenous cultural and intellectual property important?
What would protecting your art and culture mean for you and your mob?

Contact us

If you have any questions about the process or how you can be involved, please get in touch with our Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property team:

Office hours 8:30am to 5pm (AEST)
Phone: 1800 006 992 (opt 4)
Email: icip@arts.gov.au