School of Law, Governance and Public Policy

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Akanksha Madaan

Ph.D., Pursuing, Gujarat National Law University, Gandhinagar

Akanksha Madaan

Ph.D., Pursuing, Gujarat National Law University, Gandhinagar
Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)

My primary research interest lies in Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and its role in fostering innovation, preserving knowledge systems, and advancing sustainable development. I am particularly interested in understanding how legal frameworks can balance private rights with broader societal interests, ensuring that innovation serves not only economic progress but also social welfare, cultural continuity, and community empowerment. This pursuit reflects my broader commitment to exploring the role of law in addressing contemporary challenges while remaining grounded in principles of justice, equity, and human dignity.

Within the broader field of IPR, my principal area of specialization is Geographical Indications (GIs). Through my doctoral research, I examine how GI protection can preserve traditional knowledge, safeguard cultural heritage, and strengthen the livelihoods of local communities. I am especially interested in understanding how intellectual property law can contribute to rural development, community empowerment, and sustainable economic growth. My research explores the legal, social, economic, and developmental dimensions of GIs, with particular emphasis on their capacity to create value for producers while preserving the unique identities, traditions, and knowledge systems associated with regional products. I am equally interested in studying how GI frameworks can be strengthened to ensure meaningful participation and long-term benefits for stakeholder communities.

My scholarly interests further extend to the intersections of intellectual property with Human Rights Law, Technology Law, Artificial Intelligence and Law, Environmental Justice, Women’s Rights, Air and Space Law, and International Law. I am particularly intrigued by the opportunities and challenges posed by emerging technologies and seek to examine how legal systems can respond to technological transformation while safeguarding individual rights, ethical values, and public interest.

I believe that meaningful legal scholarship must be interdisciplinary, evidence-based, and capable of addressing real-world challenges. Accordingly, my research combines doctrinal, empirical, and policy-oriented methodologies to examine the practical impact of legal frameworks on communities and institutions. Through field-based studies, stakeholder engagement, and legal analysis, I seek to understand how laws operate in practice and how legal interventions can contribute to more equitable and sustainable outcomes. My broader objective is to produce scholarship that bridges theory and practice, informs policy-making, and contributes to innovation, social justice, and sustainable development. Ultimately, I aspire to contribute to legal scholarship that is intellectually rigorous, socially relevant, and responsive to the evolving needs of both India and the global community.

 

Akanksha Madaan is an Assistant Professor at Chanakya University’s School of Law, Governance and Public Policy. Her research and teaching interests lie in Intellectual Property Rights, Geographical Indications, Human Rights, Technology Law, Artificial Intelligence and Law, and Air and Space Law. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Intellectual Property Rights at Gujarat National Law University (GNLU), Gandhinagar, with a focus on Geographical Indications and their role in sustainable and inclusive development.

Prior to joining Chanakya University, Akanksha taught at REVA University, Presidency University, CMR University, and Banasthali Vidyapith. Her international academic engagements include presenting research at the University of Cambridge; delivering keynote addresses at World Congresses in Brazil; speaking on Artificial Intelligence and Intellectual Property at the University of Exeter (UK); serving as a resource person at Staffordshire University (UK); and delivering invited lectures at academic forums in Switzerland, Malaysia, and India.

Akanksha has published in Scopus-indexed journals and co-edited Scopus-indexed books on technology, human rights, global governance, and interdisciplinary legal studies. Her scholarship explores the intersections of intellectual property, emerging technologies, human rights, and sustainable development. She serves as an International Advisory Member of the Hume Institute for Post-Graduation Studies, Switzerland, and has contributed to international policy discussions through submissions to United Nations human rights mechanisms and CEDAW. Her contributions to legal scholarship have been recognised through a Design Patent Grant, the Prof. Ranbir Singh Best Legal Researcher Award, the Advocate B.L. Shivhare Gold Medal, and the Prof. (Dr.) G.S. Bajpai Best Criminal Law Research Award.

  • Ph.D. (Intellectual Property Rights), Pursuing, Gujarat National Law University, Gandhinagar
  • LL.M., Intellectual Property Rights, 2018, NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad (CLAT-PG Rank: 193)
  • B.A. LL.B., (Hons.), 2016, School of Law, Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya (DAVV), Indore
  • UGC-NET (Law), 2019

Edited Books

  1. A. Madaan (Co-Editor), Intersection Between Rights and Technology. Hershey, PA, USA: IGI Global, 2024.
  2. A. Madaan (Co-Editor), Global Health Governance and Human Rights. Hershey, PA, USA: IGI Global, 2026.
  3. A. Madaan (Co-Editor), The Future of Life: Legal, Scientific and Geopolitical Challenges. Atlantis Press/Springer, 2025.
    Book Chapters
  4. A. Madaan, “Empowering Rural Communities through Geographical Indications: A Pathway to Inclusive and Sustainable Growth,” in The Future of Life: Legal, Scientific and Geopolitical Challenges. Atlantis Press/Springer, 2026.
  5. A. Madaan, “From Roots to Riches: Geographical Indications Transforming Lives and Livelihoods in India,” in SDG Frameworks for Poverty Alleviation. Hershey, PA, USA: IGI Global, 2026
  6. A. Madaan, “SERAC v. Nigeria – Advancing the Jurisprudence on the Right to Environment,” in an edited Scopus-indexed volume. Hershey, PA, USA: IGI Global, 2026.
  7. A. Madaan, “From the Flavors of Tradition to the Pillars of Governance: Safeguarding Health and the Right to Food,” in an edited Scopus-indexed volume. Hershey, PA, USA: IGI Global, 2026.
  8. A. Madaan, “Chapter in Global Thoughts and Opinions on IP Laws and Corresponding Rights and Challenges.” ISBN: 978-81-9941524-7-7.
    Journal Articles
  9. A. Madaan, “Effective Inclusion of LGBTQ Persons: Spotlight on Regional Understanding of Sexual Orientation and Gender Equality,” The Seybold Report, 2024.
  10. A. Madaan, “Forcible Protection of Nationals Abroad: A Troubling Legacy under International Law,” Res Militaris, 2023.
  11. A. Madaan, “Relationship Between the ICC and UNSC: Prosecution of International Crimes,” Res Militaris, 2023.
  12. A. Madaan, “Decentralising Environmental Disputes in India,” Asian Law & Public Policy Review, pp. 51–60.
    Professional and Popular Publications
  13. A. Madaan, “Time for India to Study the Impact of Climate Change on Violence Against Women,” The Analysis, 2024.
  14. A. Madaan, “Patents and Trade Secrets Litigation,” Manupatra.
  15. A. Madaan, “Condition of Cops in India,” Manupatra.
  16. A. Madaan, “Section 377 – Is it Just?,” Manupatra.
  17. A. Madaan, “Capital Punishment in the Rarest of Rare Cases,” Manupatra.

Honours and Awards

  • Design Patent Granted (Application No. 399204-001), 2024.
  • Prof. Ranbir Singh Best Legal Researcher Award, 2013–14.
  • Advocate B.L. Shivhare Gold Medal for Overall Excellence in Research, 2013–14.
  • Prof. (Dr.) G.S. Bajpai Best Criminal Law Research Award, 2013–14.

Professional Memberships

  • International Advisory Member, Hume Institute for Post-Graduation Studies, Switzerland (Since 2023).
  • Editorial Board Member, Beyond Brief (Since 2023).
  • Member, The Tokiwa International Victimology Institute / World Society of Victimology.
  • UGC-NET Qualified for Assistant Professor in Law (December 2019).

Special Trainings and Certifications

  • Certificate in Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Intellectual Property Rights, jointly offered by the West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences (WBNUJS) and NITTTR, Kolkata, 2022.
  • Post-Graduation Diploma, The Tokiwa International Victimology Institute, Japan.

  • Featured Speaker, Thou Shalt Not Suffer: The Witch Trial Podcast (April 2024), discussing the intersection of spirituality, gender roles, and society.

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