Research Perspectives on Intellectual Property Law and Spirituality

Abstract

Current intellectual property (IP) protection and direct IP valuation for spirituality is, to an extent, obsolete. By using literature studies, cases, independent research observations and interviews, and participation in certain spiritual traditions, this chapter identifies and provides examples of the gap in IP protection for spirituality and sacred objects. This chapter also provides a lens for IP scholars to use when researching as well as new approaches to IP protection in religion, philosophy, and spirituality. When it comes to IP protection for spirituality, there are often occasions where decisions are influenced by current protections that are given for religiosity, which encourages the reader to note the overlap between religion, philosophy, and spirituality. This overlap provides scholars with an understanding and framework for further protections for spirituality and sacred objects. While this chapter cannot touch the entire realm of IP protection for spirituality, its purpose is to provide scholars with questions and understanding as well as provoke further investigation into the issues that the chapter identifies.