Intellectual Property Issues in Heritage Management Part 2: Legal Dimensions, Ethical Considerations, and Collaborative Research Practices

Cultural heritage management within the scope of law and policy necessitates a fluid understanding of both the tangible and intangible elements underpinning cultural resources, as well as a broader appreciation for what might be considered ‘law.’ While the tangible components of cultural heritage have been privileged due to their ability to be quantified and tracked, we argue that without recognizing the intangible dimensions of heritage, tangible “cultural property” or “heritage” has little or no meaning or value. A new set of management strategies for intangible cultural heritage is needed; in this follow-up piece we consider some of the overarching issues that frame developments in IP and professional heritage management and guide efforts to resolve or avoid problems encountered as such. We also explore the legal and ethical dimensions of IP, as well as the collaborative research approaches that constitute good practice.