A protocol was adopted by member states of the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) in August 2010 during the Diplomatic Conference held in Swakopmund, Namibia.  According to Article 1.1, this Protocol aims:  “(a) to protect traditional knowledge holders against any infringement of their rights as recognized by this Protocol; and (b) to protect expressions of folklore against misappropriation, misuse and unlawful exploitation beyond their traditional context”.  The Protocol will enter into force when six Member States of the ARIPO either deposit instruments of ratification or instruments of accession.