Hello, I'm

Abigail
Nwakanma

Lawyer · Doctoral Researcher · Writer · Designer

I'm a PhD student at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), doing research on Intellectual Property, with a focus on how Geographical Indications (GIs) can foster sustainable development and protect traditional knowledge. My work intersects intellectual property law, rural development, and cultural heritage.

Before Australia, I practised law in Nigeria, earned my Master's in Intellectual Property at KDI School (South Korea), and worked on gender policy with EIGID in Geneva. Outside academia, I'm a UX design enthusiast, a writer, and someone who finds joy in stargazing, plane spotting, and the perfect balance between outdoors and a cosy corner.

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What I Do

Services & Expertise

My Work

Current Focus

PhD Research

The Political Economy of Geographical Indications

University of Technology Sydney · 2026–present

Writing

Book-in-progress: semi-autobiographical on Gen Z identity & resilience

More updates → Research page

Research

What I'm Working On

My doctoral research at UTS focuses on Geographical Indications (GIs) — place-based products (like Champagne, Darjeeling tea, or Nigerian Oku pepper) — and their potential to protect traditional knowledge, enhance rural livelihoods, and foster sustainable development in developing economies. I'm interested in how legal frameworks can be designed or reformed to benefit local producers, preserve cultural heritage, and meet international trade standards. Methodologically, I combine doctrinal legal analysis, comparative case studies, and qualitative fieldwork.

Research Interests

Selected Publications & Talks

Master's Thesis

Geographical Indication as a Tool for Improving the Economies of Developing Countries: A Nigerian Perspective

KDI School of Public Policy and Management · 2024

Request summary →

Invited Panel

Protections of Traditional Knowledge, Genetic Resources and Geographical Indications

Mitchell Hamline School of Law (SILPA x Books for Africa) · April 2024

Recording →

Ongoing Writing

Owning the Mind: Patent law, IP, and cognitive claims in neurotechnology

Working paper · 2025

Policy Report

Gender mainstreaming in corporate policy (co-lead, EIGID)

European Initiative for Gender Inclusive Democracy · 2024–present

More research and writing updates → Full research page

Projects

Selected Work

Master's Thesis · 2024

Geographical Indications as a Tool for Developing Economies

A Nigerian perspective: how GIs can protect traditional products, boost rural livelihoods, and preserve cultural heritage.

IP LawDevelopment EconomicsCase Study

Read summary →

Panel · 2024

Protections of Traditional Knowledge & Genetic Resources

Invited speaker at Mitchell Hamline School of Law (SILPA x Books for Africa), April 2024.

Traditional KnowledgeGIsInternational Law

View details →

More projects & publications on full Projects page →

Beyond Research

Life Outside the Books

I'm equally energized by a good research rabbit hole and a good sunset. I love being outdoors as much as I treasure my cosy personal space. Stargazing, plane spotting, music, design, reading, writing, travel, and photography— these are my anchors.

Curriculum Vitae

I am a lawyer and Intellectual Property development professional with expertise in the legal and policy dimensions of innovation, AI governance and research. I am experienced in cross-border collaboration, research, policy analysis, legal advocacy, and academic instruction. On the side, I am also a pro designer with technical proficiency in Figma, Canva and AI tools. Check out my CV to know more about my professional journey.

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AbigailNwakanma