Lähterõigused

Lähterõigused is an Estonian term that translates to "source rights" or "origin rights." It generally refers to the legal rights and responsibilities associated with the origin or source of something, particularly in the context of intellectual property, cultural heritage, and traditional knowledge.

In intellectual property law, lähterõigused can relate to the rights of creators and innovators over their original works, inventions, and designs. This encompasses copyright for artistic and literary works, patents for inventions, and design rights for the appearance of products. It ensures that the originators are recognized and can control the use and dissemination of their creations.

Beyond formal intellectual property, lähterõigused also apply to the concept of cultural heritage and traditional knowledge. This involves recognizing and protecting the rights of communities or indigenous groups over their unique cultural expressions, traditional practices, and ancestral knowledge. It emphasizes that such knowledge has an origin and should not be exploited or misused without proper attribution and consent. The concept aims to prevent the appropriation and commercialization of cultural heritage without benefiting the source communities.

The overarching principle of lähterõigused is to acknowledge and respect the source and creators of various forms of intellectual and cultural output, ensuring fair recognition, control, and benefit sharing. It encourages ethical engagement with creative works and traditional knowledge by respecting their origins.