VISITING FACULTY

Prof. V. Vijayakumar

Prof. V. Vijayakumar is a Visiting Faculty at Hidayatullah National Law University and serves as Professor of Eminence in the School of Law. A highly respected academician and legal scholar, he previously served as the Vice Chancellor of National Law Institute University and Dr. Ambedkar Law University (2010–2013). He has also been associated as a professor with National Law School of India University.

Prof. Vijayakumar has played a pivotal role in shaping legal education in India, contributing to policy formulation and academic reforms across several National Law Universities. He serves on governing and academic bodies, including as a member of the Academic Council of National Law University, and continues to guide institutional development and curriculum advancement.

His areas of expertise include Constitutional Law, Administrative Law, Human Rights Law, Election Laws, and Refugee & Humanitarian Law. He has held the prestigious UNHCR Chair on Refugee Law, reflecting his deep engagement with international legal frameworks. As a Visiting Faculty at HNLU, he brings extensive academic leadership, research insight, and policy experience to enrich legal education and mentorship.

Prof. (Dr.) Vijender Kumar

Prof. Vijender Kumar is a distinguished legal academic, researcher, and administrator, currently serving as the Vice-Chancellor of Maharashtra National Law University Nagpur. A Commonwealth Fellow (UK, 2009–2010) and recipient of the Telangana State “Meritorious Law Teacher Award” (2019), he has played a pivotal role in advancing legal education in India.

He has previously served as Vice-Chancellor of National Law University and Judicial Academy Assam and as Registrar of NALSAR University of Law Hyderabad. With prior experience at the Bar, he brings a blend of professional and academic expertise.

Prof. Vijender Kumar has authored over 70 research articles and several books in areas such as Hindu Law, family law, legal education, and research methodology. His notable works include Being a Law Teacher (2019), Law Relating to Domestic Violence (2007), and Hindu Law of Adoption (2004), along with edited volumes on ADR, gender justice, and governance.

He has led and contributed to significant research projects with institutions such as the National Commission for Women and the Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute. A former Visiting Professor at King’s College London and a regular visiting faculty at premier institutions, he has also been actively associated with academic and policy bodies including UGC, NAAC, NIRF, NITI Aayog, and UPSC.

An advocate of Socratic and collaborative teaching methods, Prof. Kumar is committed to promoting student-centric, research-driven legal education.

Prof. S. Shanthakumar

Prof. (Dr.) S. Shanthakumar is the Director of Gujarat National Law University with over 27 years of experience in legal academia, including his association with Hidayatullah National Law University. An alumnus of University of Madras, he holds a doctorate in law and previously practiced at the Madras High Court for seven years. His areas of expertise include Environmental Law, Human Rights Law, International Law, and Constitutional Law. He has authored several books and numerous research publications, and has delivered lectures and keynote addresses at national and international forums. He currently serves in key global roles, including with the IUCN Academy of Environmental Law and the International Association of Law Schools, and has contributed to major international projects supported by institutions such as the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and the British Council. He is also a recipient of prestigious awards, including the Environmental Law Champions Development Award and the Best Social Scientist Award.

Prof. Dilip Ukey

Prof. Dilip Ukey is an accomplished academic associated with Maharashtra National Law University Mumbai, one of India’s premier National Law Universities, as Vice Chancellor and is actively engaged in the fields of legal education, teaching, and research. He contributes to advancing the University’s vision of imparting quality and socially relevant legal education while fostering a culture of academic excellence and innovation. His work reflects a strong commitment to research-oriented legal studies and interdisciplinary engagement across core areas of law. Prof. Ukey has been involved in academic initiatives aligned with the standards of regulatory bodies such as the Bar Council of India and the University Grants Commission. He is known for his student-centric and participatory teaching approach, aimed at developing analytical thinking, advocacy skills, and professional competence among students. His teaching philosophy integrates theoretical understanding with practical application, encouraging critical thinking and ethical perspectives in legal studies. He has contributed to promoting legal awareness and the role of law as an instrument of social transformation. His academic engagements support the development of legal reasoning and problem-solving abilities among learners. He has been associated with institutions that emphasize research, innovation, and global academic collaborations. Prof. Ukey values constitutional principles such as justice, equality, and social responsibility, and strives to inculcate these ideals in his teaching and academic interactions. He continues to contribute meaningfully to the evolving landscape of legal education in India through his scholarly and academic pursuits.

Prof. O.V. Nandimath

Prof. (Dr.) O. V. Nandimath is a distinguished legal academic and presently the Vice-Chancellor of West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences, Kolkata (since November 2025). Prior to this appointment, he served as Professor of Law at National Law School of India University, Bengaluru, where he has been associated since 1997 in various academic and administrative capacities, including Registrar (2013–2019) and HAL Chair Professor.

Prof. Nandimath has extensive teaching and research experience in areas such as Environmental Law, Medical Law, Business Laws, Banking Law, Financial Regulation, and Professional Ethics. He is a recipient of prestigious fellowships and scholarships, including the Chevening Scholarship and Fulbright Fellowship, and has been associated with leading global institutions such as the University of Bradford, University of Warwick, Cardiff University, and the University of Utah.

A prolific scholar, his notable publications include works on environmental law, hazardous waste management, and health law and ethics.

Prof. T. Ramakrishna

Prof. (Dr.) T. Ramakrishna is a distinguished legal academic and an expert in Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), currently serving as a visiting faculty member at Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU), Raipur.

He is a long-standing faculty member at National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru, where he has been teaching since 2002. His areas of specialization include IPR, International Law, Criminal Law, and the Law of Evidence.

Prof. Ramakrishna holds multiple degrees in law, science, and public administration, along with a Ph.D. focusing on trademark law. Over a teaching career spanning several decades, he has also served as Principal of Vidyavardhaka Law College, Mysore.

At NLSIU, he has led key initiatives such as the Centre for Intellectual Property Rights Research and Advocacy (CIPRA) and held the MHRD Chair on IPR. As a visiting faculty at HNLU, he contributes to academic teaching and research in intellectual property law, bringing extensive experience in both scholarship and policy-oriented work.

Dr. G.R. Raghavender

Dr. G. R. Raghavender is a distinguished policy expert in Intellectual Property Rights and serves as a Visiting Faculty at Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU), Raipur.

A retired Joint Secretary to the Government of India, he is currently Senior Consultant (IPR) at the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry. A career civil servant from the Central Secretariat Service (CSS), selected through the UPSC Civil Services Examination (1988), he has held key leadership roles, including Joint Secretary in the Department of Justice and DPIIT, and has also served as Director General of the National Productivity Council (NPC).

Dr. Raghavender is widely recognized for his pivotal role as Registrar of Copyrights, where he contributed significantly to modernizing India’s copyright regime, including the implementation of the Copyright (Amendment) Act, 2012 and the Copyright Rules, 2013. Internationally, he has represented India in major negotiations and forums such as the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), contributing to landmark treaties including the Beijing Treaty (2012) and Marrakesh Treaty (2013), as well as recent global developments in IP law.

Academically, he holds a Ph.D. in IPR with a focus on artificial intelligence and data mining, along with an LL.M., LL.B., and an M.A. in Development Studies from the International Institute of Social Studies, The Hague. As a Visiting Faculty at HNLU, he brings extensive experience in policy, international negotiations, and copyright law, enriching academic discourse in intellectual property law.

Mr. Na. Vijayashankar

Mr. Na. Vijayashankar (Naavi) is a pioneering expert in Cyber Law and Information Assurance, serving as a Visiting Faculty at Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU), Raipur.

Popularly known as “Naavi” in the cyber law domain, he is widely regarded as one of the earliest thought leaders in India’s cyber law ecosystem. Though not a lawyer by formal training, he has made significant contributions to the development, interpretation, and dissemination of cyber law in India.

Naavi is the author of several influential works, including Cyber Laws for Every Netizen in India, Cyber Laws Demystified, and Cyber Laws for Engineers, along with Kannada publications aimed at enhancing regional cyber law awareness. He is also the founder of initiatives such as the Cyber Law College and the Cyber Law portal (naavi.org), promoting education and capacity-building in cyber law and information security.

With over four decades of professional experience across banking, financial services, advertising, and IT consulting, he has pioneered concepts such as “CyLawCom” (Cyber Law Compliance) and “Total Information Assurance,” integrating legal, technical, and behavioural aspects of information security.

He has actively contributed to cyber law awareness through initiatives like the Karnataka Cyber Law Awareness Movement and has trained law enforcement agencies in cybercrime investigation and cyber evidence management. As a Visiting Faculty at HNLU, he brings extensive practical insights into cyber law, information security, and digital governance, enriching academic engagement in emerging technology law.

Mr. E. Chandrasekaran

E.V. Chandru (E. Chandrasekaran) is a distinguished legal practitioner and Visiting Faculty at Hidayatullah National Law University. An advocate enrolled with the Bar Council of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry since 1997, he currently serves as Special Public Prosecutor for the National Investigation Agency (NIA) before the Madras High Court and NIA Special Court.

With extensive experience in constitutional, criminal, and commercial litigation, he has held several key positions, including Standing Counsel for the Registrar General of the Madras High Court and various legal services institutions. He has also been appointed as Amicus Curiae in significant cases and has actively contributed to Lok Adalat proceedings.

Mr. Chandru is widely recognized for his commitment to pro bono legal services, having handled numerous cases for legal aid institutions and the judiciary. In addition to his practice, he is a sought-after resource person and has delivered lectures and training sessions at national judicial academies, police institutions, and legal forums across India.

Academically accomplished with an LL.M. and postgraduate qualifications in philosophy and allied disciplines, he brings a rich blend of practical insight and scholarly depth to his teaching at HNLU.

Prof. K.V.K. Santhy

Prof. K. V. K. Santhy is a seasoned academic with over 24 years of teaching experience in Criminal Law and currently serves as Visiting Faculty at Hidayatullah National Law University. She holds a Ph.D. from Osmania University, with research focused on penal reforms in India.
An accomplished scholar and administrator, she has served as Proctor and contributed extensively to academic governance and student affairs. Her research and policy work includes projects with institutions such as the National Commission for Women, Centre for Good Governance, and Bureau of Police Research and Development, addressing key issues in criminal justice, gender, investigation processes, and sentencing practices.
Prof. Santhy has international research exposure, including post-doctoral work at the Max Planck Institute for Foreign and International Criminal Law, and collaborations with the International Committee of the Red Cross. A prolific author and trainer, she has delivered lectures at premier institutions such as the National Police Academy and NADT Nagpur.
Her areas of expertise include criminal law, human rights, and cyber security, where she also contributes to curriculum development and policy initiatives.

Prof. R. Muralidharan

Prof. R. Muralidharan is a Visiting Faculty at Hidayatullah National Law University and a distinguished Patent & Trademark Attorney, Registered Patent Agent, and Mediator with over three decades of experience in intellectual property law and legal education.

He is the Founder of Manu Associates, a Bengaluru-based law firm specializing in patents, trademarks, and alternative dispute resolution. Prof. Muralidharan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and a Master’s degree in International and Constitutional Law, reflecting his strong interdisciplinary approach to legal practice.

His academic career includes serving as a Research Fellow at the University of Madras and as Assistant Professor at National Law School of India University. He has also been associated with legal academia as a Visiting Lecturer at University Law College, Bangalore, and as an Infosys Research Fellow at NLSIU. He continues to contribute as Visiting Faculty at leading institutions such as NALSAR University of Law.

Professionally, he is enrolled with the Bar Council of India and is registered to practice before the High Court and the Patent Office. His expertise spans patent law, trademark law, and intellectual property mediation, making him a respected figure in both legal practice and academia.

As a Visiting Faculty at HNLU, Prof. Muralidharan brings extensive practical experience and academic insight, enriching the study of intellectual property law and alternative dispute resolution for students.

Dr. Anindya Sircar

Dr. Sircar is currently engaged in consulting, strategizing, teaching programs in the field of Intellectual Property management and training. He is an IP Advisor to several companies/firms/start- ups and Visiting Faculty on IP several Law Schools and Institutes. He continues to be a resource person to numerous workshops, conferences and seminars in the field of IP.

His earlier Corporate positions include – Associate Vice President and Head of IP with Infosys Limited, responsible for all IP activities for Infosys and its subsidiaries and Global Head of IP for the Biocon Group and was instrumental in setting up the IP practices for the Biocon Group. Dr. Sircar, a registered Patent Agent and a Certified IP Valuation Analyst, has a unique distinction of two Ph. Ds – one is Science and the other in Law. During his long professional involvement in IP he had spearhead several acquisitions programs, both in and out licensing of IP.

Dr. T.S. Somashekar

Dr. T. S. Somashekar is a Visiting Faculty at Hidayatullah National Law University and a Professor of Economics at National Law School of India University, where he also serves as the B.A. (Hons.) Programme Co-Chair. With over 20 years of experience in teaching economics and law, he specializes in law and economics, competition law, WTO law, and regulatory studies.

He holds a Ph.D. in Economics from the Institute for Social and Economic Change and has played significant academic leadership roles, including serving as Interim Registrar and heading undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral councils at NLSIU.

Dr. Somashekar has held several prestigious international positions, including Erasmus Mundus Fellow at the University of Hamburg, Global Visiting Professor at the Dedman School of Law, and ICCR Chair Professor at Sciences Po. He has also contributed to public policy as an advisor to the Ministry of Commerce and Industries, Government of Karnataka.

Currently, he serves as a member of the advisory board for the European Doctorate in Law and Economics (EDLE), and is part of the governing and academic bodies of premier institutions including NLSIU and the Madras Institute of Development Studies. His teaching portfolio includes courses such as Microeconomics, Economics I & II, and Competition Law and Economics.

As a Visiting Faculty at HNLU, Dr. Somashekar brings extensive academic expertise, international exposure, and policy insight, enriching the study of law and economics and competition regulation.

Mr. T.V. Madhusudhan

Mr. T. V. Madhusudhan is a Visiting Faculty at Hidayatullah National Law University and a seasoned intellectual property expert with extensive experience in patent law and practice. A former Deputy Controller of Patents & Designs at the Indian Patent Office, Chennai, he served the Government of India for over two decades, handling patent examination, grant, and opposition proceedings, particularly in the fields of pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and chemistry.

A Registered Indian Patent Agent, Mr. Madhusudhan currently works as a technical consultant and freelance expert, advising on patent drafting, prosecution, and intellectual property strategy across multiple jurisdictions. He has also been associated with leading law firms and regularly assists clients in navigating complex patent procedures.

With a strong passion for teaching, he has over 15 years of experience as a visiting faculty at NALSAR University of Law, where he has taught Patent Law and developed course curricula for postgraduate programmes. He has delivered numerous lectures and training sessions for institutions such as the Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Intellectual Property Management, NRDC, TIFAC, and various universities and professional bodies across India.

Mr. Madhusudhan has also represented India at international forums, including the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in Geneva, and is recognized for his contributions to patent awareness and capacity-building initiatives. As a Visiting Faculty at HNLU, he brings rich practical expertise and institutional experience, enhancing the study of intellectual property law with real-world insights.

Prof. Uday Shankar

Prof. Uday Shankar is a Visiting Faculty at Hidayatullah National Law University and is currently serving as Professor of Law and Dean at the Rajiv Gandhi School of Intellectual Property Law. A distinguished academic, he brings extensive experience in legal education, research, and academic leadership.

His areas of specialization include Constitutional Law, Administrative Law, and Public Policy. He is known for his engaging teaching approach and his ability to connect legal principles with contemporary governance and regulatory issues.

Prof. Shankar has contributed widely to academic discourse through lectures, seminars, and research initiatives, and continues to mentor students and scholars across leading institutions.

As a Visiting Faculty at HNLU, he enriches the academic environment with his deep expertise and leadership in legal education.

Prof. Aruna B Venkat

Prof. Aruna B Venkat has been a student of Delhi University.  She has done her BA (Hons) Sociology at Miranda House and Masters in Sociology from Delhi school of Economics. She went on to pursuing Law and finally did her Ph.D from Campus Law Centre, Delhi University. She started her professional career as legal editor with Butterworths India, New Delhi. Amongst the many books she edited, the most memorable and rewarding editorial experience came with Prof. S. P.Sathe’s Administrative Law. Two years later, she got her first academic break at Amity Law School, New Delhi. In 2005, she joined NALSAR. Her Sociology background has helped her to develop courses which are interdisciplinary in content and in context. Socio-legal issues are at the center of her courses. Her interdisciplinary orientation also draws her towards multi-disciplinary conferences and seminars. Some of the courses that she teaches are Law of Torts, Family Law, Conflict of Laws, Child Rights.

Currently working as Professor at Nalsar University of Law, Hyderabad. (January 2005 to this day) Worked at Amity Law School, New Delhi as Lecturer. (November 1999 to January 2005) Worked as Legal Editor at Butterworths India (January 1997 to November 1999).

Shri YVST Sai

Shri YVST Sai is a retired Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer and former Commissioner of Income Tax, with nearly three decades of distinguished service in tax administration (1993–2022). During his career, he held key positions in the Income Tax Department, including serving as Commissioner of Income Tax (Departmental Representative) before the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal, Hyderabad, and as Secretary of the Andhra Pradesh Public Service Commission.

Prior to joining the civil services, he worked as a Scientist with the Department of Atomic Energy at BARC, Mumbai and RRCAT, Indore. Academically accomplished, he holds an M.Sc. in Physics, an M.Phil. in Economics, and an LL.B.

Post-retirement, Shri Sai is actively engaged in agricultural entrepreneurship and innovation. He serves as Managing Director of Livpalm Resources Pvt. Ltd. and is associated with multiple enterprises, contributing to agri-tech development. He has also conceptualized innovative models such as “Cultivation as a Service” (CAAS) and “Farming as a Service” (FAAS), reflecting his continued commitment to sustainable development and knowledge-driven initiatives.

Prof. Manish Singh

Prof. (Dr.) Manish Singh is a Visiting Faculty at Hidayatullah National Law University and a Professor of Law at Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University. He has been associated with the University since 2013 and has served as a Professor since 2016.

A distinguished academician, Prof. Singh has an extensive body of scholarly work, with numerous publications in reputed national and international journals, along with presentations at various academic conferences. His areas of specialization include Intellectual Property Law and Business Laws, with particular focus on Patent Law and Practice, Corporate Law, Securities Law, International Trade Law, and Competition Law.

He is a registered Patent Agent with the Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks under the Government of India and is also empanelled as a Patent Facilitator. He has guided several research projects and dissertations in areas such as patents, mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, and financial regulations.

Prof. Singh has played a key role in institutional development, including establishing the DPIIT-IPR Chair at his university and contributing to the development of an incubation centre. He is actively engaged in academic administration and currently serves as Controller of Examinations and Coordinator of the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), while also heading various academic and administrative committees.

As a Visiting Faculty at HNLU, Prof. Singh brings a strong blend of academic scholarship, professional expertise, and administrative experience, enriching the study of intellectual property and business laws.

Dr. Gargi Chakrabarti

Dr. Gargi Chakrabarti is a Visiting Faculty at Hidayatullah National Law University and currently serves as Associate Professor (Law) at Dharmashastra National Law University. She brings over 15 years of teaching and research experience in diverse areas of law, particularly Intellectual Property Rights, Cyber Law, Environmental Law, and Competition Law.

She holds a Ph.D. from NALSAR University of Law, an M.Phil. from National Law School of India University, and an LL.M. in International and Comparative IP Law from London Metropolitan University. She was also a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at the Max Planck Institute for Innovation and Competition in 2020 and has been associated as a WIPO Tutor for the past six years.

At DNLU, she serves as Ph.D. Coordinator and is the Director of the Centre for Advocacy, Practice and Research of IP (CAPRIP) as well as the Academic Outreach Committee. Previously, she was associated with National Law University as Associate Professor, IPR Chair, and Chairperson of the Academic Committee.

Dr. Chakrabarti has an impressive academic record with around 40 national and international publications. She has also contributed as an expert to various national and international initiatives, including work with the Government of Rajasthan, UNDP projects, and global collaborations with institutions such as the University of Washington.

As a Visiting Faculty at HNLU, she contributes significant academic depth and research expertise, particularly in intellectual property law and emerging interdisciplinary domains.

Dr. Manish Yadav

Dr. Manish Yadav is a Visiting Faculty at Hidayatullah National Law University and currently serves as Associate Professor (ADR) and Deputy Director, Distance Learning Department at National Law Institute University. With over thirteen years of academic and professional experience, he has contributed significantly to teaching, research, and institutional development in legal education.

Prior to his present role, he was associated with Maharashtra National Law University as Assistant Professor (Senior Scale) and Assistant Registrar, and has also taught at Jagran Lakecity University, Amity University, and Jaipur National University. Before entering academia, he served as Consumer Advocacy Officer and Registrar to the Electricity Ombudsman at the Madhya Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission.

Dr. Yadav’s areas of specialization include International Commercial Arbitration, Energy Law, Telecommunications Law, and Real Estate Law. He has played a pioneering role in designing and developing academic programmes, including a postgraduate diploma in Energy Laws and Policy and an LL.M. specialization in Energy and Telecommunication Laws. He has also contributed to policy by submitting recommendations and draft proposals for amendments to the Electricity Act, 2003 to the Ministry of Power, Government of India.

A prolific scholar, he has authored several books and over forty research papers. His recent work on Law Relating to Trade Secret and Technology Transfer has been widely recognized as a significant contribution to the field. He is actively involved in academic administration and has served in multiple capacities including NIRF Nodal Officer, member of various academic committees, and coordinator of distance learning programmes.

Dr. Yadav is also associated with international professional bodies and editorial boards, and has delivered lectures at premier institutions and training academies across India. As a Visiting Faculty at HNLU, he brings a rich blend of academic expertise, policy insight, and practical experience, particularly in ADR, energy regulation, and emerging areas of commercial law.

Dr. Rishi Raj Bhardwaj

Mr. Rishi Raj Bhardwaj is a Visiting Faculty at Hidayatullah National Law University and is currently serving in academic and administrative capacities at leading universities in the Delhi-NCR region, including Bennett University, where he is also pursuing his Ph.D. in the domain of Artificial Intelligence and Law.

With over 15 years of diverse experience, he has held senior academic, managerial, and administrative roles at institutions such as Sharda University, AKTU, and CCSU. He also brings over a decade of professional association with organizations like ICAI, IGNOU, IICA, and ISM-India, along with practical experience in reputed chartered accountancy firms.

Mr. Bhardwaj has worked extensively on financial and statutory compliance audits for major public sector undertakings, including AAI, BHEL, DMRC, GAIL, SAIL, ISRO, MTNL, SBI, and LIC. He has also served as a policy advisor to MSMEs and startup units in the Delhi-NCR region.

Academically, he holds graduate degrees in Commerce and Law from Saurashtra University and postgraduate qualifications in Commerce, Law, Finance, and Information Technology. He has qualified UGC-NET and CA-PEE-II and has completed certifications from Cornell University in Financial Regulation and Ethics in Law. He is also pursuing a data science programme from Indian Institute of Technology Madras.

His research interests span Finance, Corporate Governance, Taxation, and Emerging Technology Laws. As a Visiting Faculty at HNLU, he brings a unique blend of academic scholarship, professional expertise, and interdisciplinary insight into law, finance, and technology.

Ms. Neeti Sachdeva

Ms. Sachdeva is the Secretary General and Registrar of MCIA. Prior to joining MCIA, Neeti has extensively worked in the field of International Commercial Arbitration, both as a private practitioner representing clients and as an administrator, facilitating the dispute resolution procedure. Neeti’s past professional experience includes working with Trilegal and Economic Laws Practice. She has also worked at the International Arbitration Department of Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer Paris office, besides being a judicial researcher at Delhi High Court with Justice Gita Mittal and Justice Muralidhar.

Neeti has also worked with LCIA India as its First Deputy Registrar. She regularly acts as an arbitrator in commercial disputes and is also active in the academic circles as a Guest Faculty. She is also a part of the Steering Committee of Pledge, Equal Representation of Women in Arbitration. Neeti has obtained a Masters in ICA from Stockholm University, and has also undertaken a course in Private International Law from the Hague Academy of International Law.

Ms. Swapna Sundar

Ms. Sundar is a Lawyer and Director of IP Dome Strategy Advisors Pvt. Ltd., a company she founded in 2008 with Mr. Raghavendra Ravi. As principal strategist of IP Dome, Swapna enables companies and individual inventors to craft and implement strategies to protect and monetize their Intellectual Property. She is a lawyer by training with a degree in law from the Madras Law College, and an LL.M. in International Law with International Relations from the Brussels School of International Studies, the European School of the University of Kent at Canterbury.

Her current interest is innovation and technology law. She is working on ethics in a number of areas including clinical trials, governance, professional ethics and constitutional ethics. She teaches Law and Technology in a number of institutions and also member of several institutional ethics committees.

Specialties: Intellectual Property consultation, services and strategy Patent drafting, filing, prosecution and litigation Innovation planning and research design Training in IP creation, protection, management and monitoring IP landscaping, audit, valuation and mapping.

Mr. Vaibhav Ganjiwale

Mr. Ganjiwale graduated from the NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad in 2011. Between 2011 and 2016 he worked as a corporate lawyer with the Mumbai Offices of Khaitan & Co. and IndusLaw, advising his clients on mergers and acquisition, and general corporate matters. In the academic year 2016-17, Vaibhav worked as a full-time Teaching Associate at NALSAR, where he taught commercial laws to the undergraduate batches. In this period he was inducted in the 5-member team conducting India’s first empirical study to suggest evidence based proposals on reforms in legal education in India. The study was funded by Ministry of Law & Justice, Government of India, and executed by Nalsar. The team visited more than seventeen national law universities, traditional and private law colleges, to collect responses and interview students, teachers, university administrators and other stake holders. Since June 2017, Vaibhav has been working with Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas as the Head of Learning & Development. 

In the past, Vaibhav has conducted technical and non-technical courses at Nalsar, NLU Delhi, MNLU Nagpur and NMIMS School of Law. He takes keen interest in issues concerning law firm management, legal education and the possibilities of knowledge & experience sharing between legal academia and industry. 

Dr. Venkat Iyer

Dr. Iyer is a barrister and academic based in Northern Ireland. He is attached to the School of Law at Ulster University where, in addition to being Director of Educational Partnerships and International Affairs, he teaches media law, constitutional law, and business law. Dr Iyer has been in legal practice since 1981 and is, among other things, a trained mediator. Between 2008-15 Dr Iyer served as Law Commissioner for Northern Ireland. A former Nuffield Press Fellow at Cambridge University, Dr Iyer has lectured in a number of foreign universities, including Meiji University (Japan), University of Melbourne (Australia), Tsinghua University (China), Fordham University (USA), University of Malaya, International Islamic University of Malaysia (Malaysia), University of Bombay (India), and Soochow University (Taiwan), and continues to be a visiting professor in several institutions.

He has also acted as a consultant to a number of governments, private corporations, and non- governmental organisations. In 2003-2004 – and again in 2012 – he was invited by the Royal Government of Bhutan to advise on, and draft, media laws for that kingdom. In 2007, he was appointed a consultant by the World Bank to design a programme on Continuing Legal Education for the Kenyan Bar. In 2011, he was asked to review the Broadcasting Act in Vanuatu and to recommend changes to the media law regime in that country. Since 2012 he was consulted by the Burmese government on a wide range of media law related matters. Dr Iyer runs training courses on media law and media ethics for newspapers and media organisations around the world. He has also been engaged in designing and delivering capacity building programmes for judges and magistrates in various jurisdictions, and frequently runs judicial training programmes.

Dr Iyer is the author of a number of books and articles, and the editor of two journals, The Commonwealth Lawyer and The Round Table: Commonwealth Journal of International Affairs, both published from London.

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