Interview conducted by Aagya Dubey as a part of her Campus Leaders Program.

What drew you to specialize in intellectual property and patent law, and how did your Ph.D. journey at JLU shape your research lens?

Owing the dynamic interplay between innovation, creativity and law, I was always fascinated by the IPR domain, and had decided well in advance that I had to pursue my academic career in the same. That is why I chose LL.M. in IPR from NLIU, Bhopal. For my doctoral thesis, I had to comprehensively explore challenging and fertile topics in the area of IPR.

After a few selections and eliminations, I finally decided to work in the area of green technology and patent law, because around that time the climate change debate had been receiving significant traction with the arrival of the Paris Agreement.

My research experience at JLU had been an enriching one. I had the opportunity to receive guidance from exceptional mentors. With continuous guidance, I was able to produce a work that appreciated by seniors and peers, and was published as a book by internationally recognized publisher Routledge. 

With 10+ years in teaching and research, how has your approach to mentoring students evolved over time?

Over the years, my approach has undergone several transitions. It is unavoidable in academics. You have to modify and calibrate your methods to cater to the growing needs and curiosities of the students. However, I had learnt with time that the primary objective of any academic curriculum should be holistic development of students.

I make a conscious effort to understand each student’s strengths, interests, and career aspirations to guide them accordingly, whether it is for moots, internships, or research. Mentoring has become more about facilitating intellectual exploration and emotional confidence rather than just academic achievements and accolades.

How do you integrate your research publications in IP into your classes?

In academia, one has to be engaged in continuous research both for personal growth and professional development. Researching in diverse areas helps expand your academic horizons. My published works are often referred by my students in their research endeavours. It also enriches classroom deliberations.

My approach of integrating my research work with classroom teaching not only enhances content-delivery but also shows students how academic research informs policy and legal practice, inspiring them to pursue original research.

Can you share an instance where a student’s question or insight changed your own understanding?

There have been many such instances where students have engaged in exciting and fruitful discussions relating to the subject. It is quite difficult for me to remember any specific instance. Teaching law is a challenging yet rewarding endeavour.

Students are curious about how and why a particular legal provision was made or why it was drafted in a particular way. Dissecting statutory provisions and trying to find the ways of interpretation has always been one of the most wonderful things in my teaching career.

Indeed, teaching is a two-way process and students’ inherent curiosities and lived experiences can meaningfully enrich academic discourse.

What major challenge did you face while building the IPR curriculum, and how did you overcome it?

One of the major challenges was to balance theoretical rigor with practical relevance in a way that resonated with diverse learners. It is extremely important to impart practical training to the students so that they understand the technical aspects of IP as a commercial element.

With modern teaching approaches and expert lectures, it is possible to generate interest in the students towards this intriguing field. Giving innovative assignments and projects to the students also plays a vital role.

In your view, how is the intersection of patent law with environmental innovation changing the legal landscape?

The confluence of patent law with environmental innovation is transforming legal discourse by pushing traditional frameworks to adapt to sustainability goals. Patents, while encouraging innovation, also raise concerns of access and equity—especially in climate-friendly technologies.

Legal systems are now being challenged to promote green innovation while preventing monopolies that may hinder global climate objectives. Concepts like patent pools, compulsory licensing for clean tech, and open innovation models are reshaping how we perceive the role of IP in climate resilience and sustainable development.

Which practical skills do you stress for students preparing for careers in IPR?

Role of an IP attorney is ever-evolving in the current commercial landscape. Technical tasks require specialized and intricate knowledge of the law. These tasks include drafting of patent applications, negotiating franchise agreements, representing authors and creators in copyright infringement suits, drafting licensing agreements, representing the interests of local producers, craftsmen, and farmers, etc.

To hone their skills, I strongly emphasize research proficiency, contract drafting, analytical reasoning, and policy analysis. I also encourage students to develop domain awareness of technology and industry-specific IP trends. I encourage them to develop their ability to articulate complex legal issues in simple terms as they extremely important, especially for roles in IP litigation, in-house advisory, or policy advocacy.

How do you manage the balance between rigorous research, teaching, and organizing academic initiatives like conferences?

I have always tried to perform to my optimum potential and given years in practising effective time management and strategic planning. I have a very keen interest in doing research on current topics, and getting them published in reputed journals is always a reward that makes it all worth it.

Teaching, of course, is the core aspect of my job profile, so I have to devote most of my time to prepare teaching material to enhance the classroom delivery. With time, I learned the process of academic administration which includes organizing academic events like conferences, seminars, etc.

Determination and dedications towards the job makes it all exciting if not easy. Of course, it is not always at the same pace. Sometimes, I do not get time to conduct effective research at all. Sometimes, I am not prepared enough for a class. But, with years of experience, one learns to balance these aspects of academia, and to give his/her best. 

If you could propose one reform in Patent Law education in India, what would be it?

I would advocate for integrating a mandatory clinical component into patent law education. Students should engage in patent search, drafting, and filing through university tie-ups with IP offices or innovation hubs.

Experiential learning would demystify procedural complexities and prepare students for real-world challenges. Additionally, exposure to international patent systems like PCT, USPTO, or EPO should be included early on to instil global competence.

Which book or resource has significantly influenced your scholarship and pedagogy in IP Law?

There are many books on various themes and areas in IP law that I have found quite interesting as well as extremely helpful in my classroom content preparation. Moreover, several online platforms such as SpicyIP, BananaIP, etc., have proven to be a great resource if one wants to remain abreast of the most recent developments in the domain of IP law.

I believe if one is truly passionate about learning the subject by delving deep into it, they eventually find great academic resources while exploring – so never stop exploring. Many times, I have stumbled upon a piece, an article or a blog that opened path for deeper research on particular topic or theme. 

How should students leverage platforms like Lawctopus to enhance their academic and career growth?

I, myself, have been a loyal follower of the Lawctopus platform for many years. It is a wonderful platform that keeps its users updated on internships, courses, legal writing, and career guidance. I strongly advise students to use it not just for opportunities but to build a visible academic profile—by publishing articles, reviewing internships, and participating in academic programs and writing competitions.

It also offers peer insights and real-time information about evolving legal fields, which helps students align their preparation with contemporary market trends.

What message would you give students exploring careers in legal academia?

A career in legal academia requires a resolute commitment to shaping thought, policy, and forge future leaders and upstanding citizens. If you are passionate about research, reading, writing, and mentoring, this field offers unmatched intellectual freedom and a sublime sense of fulfilment.

But bear in mind that like any other career avenue it comes with its own set of challenges. Legal academia requires resilience, continuous learning, and adaptability.

I would urge aspiring academicians to gain diverse experiences early on—research, teaching assistantships, editorial roles—and most importantly, to view law not merely as a subject or a career choice, but as an efficient tool for social transformation.

Key Quotes and Insights from the Interviewee

• “I was always fascinated by the IPR domain, and had decided well in advance that I had to pursue my academic career in the same.”
• “Mentoring has become more about facilitating intellectual exploration and emotional confidence.”
• “The confluence of patent law with environmental innovation is transforming legal discourse.”
• “Teaching is a two-way process—students’ curiosities can meaningfully enrich academic discourse.”
• “Students should engage in patent search, drafting, and filing through university tie-ups with IP offices or innovation hubs.”
• “Legal academia requires resilience, continuous learning, and adaptability.”

Disclaimer: Interviews published on Lawctopus are not edited thoroughly so as to retain the voice of the interviewee.

This interview is a part of our Star Interview series, conducted by the Campus Leaders at Lawctopus. Stay tuned for more!