Personal profile
Biography
- Nkem is interested in substantive law on copyright and related rights, and in using empirical research to address questions pertaining to copyright law and policy, and in exploring connections between Intellectual Property law and culture through the lens of creators and users, which are often affected by cultural, psychological, social and technological variables. Her recent socio-legal research evaluates the complexities of copyright in the film industry of emerging economies, using Nigeria as a case study. Utilising a multi-perspective approach, she focused on the intersection of copyright law with the work and lives of creative practitioners in the film industry. Her work addresses fundamental policy questions and examines the impact of piracy on growth and the impact of it on competition.
Nkem is an award-winning, seasoned academic and a TETFund scholar. In 2018, she was awarded the Federal Government of Nigeria Scholarship for PhD research to the top 20% ranked universities in the United Kingdom. In September 2023, she was awarded the Head of School Contribution Prize at the School of Law, Queen’s University Belfast. She was also awarded the Researcher Plus Award for “Develop Your Leadership Skills” (PGR Personal Development Programme) at Queen’s University Belfast in June 2023.
Nkem is also interested in AI and IP, as well as Competition Law, which she is currently researching. She is a highly skilled, accomplished, resourceful, performance-driven, result-oriented, experienced legal and academic professional with over two decades of experience in various teaching and administrative positions and research. She is an analytical and strategic problem solver with a flair for research. She is passionate about teaching and mentoring her students.
She has excellent interpersonal and communication skills, ensuring the delivery of superior case results. A respected conference speaker, including an invited speaker at Harvard Law School, Cambridge, Massachusetts, and as a Guest Lecturer at the School of Law, Queen’s University Belfast. Nkem has participated in national and international conferences and has a track record of academic scholarship. Her research is active, and she has written and continues to write on different aspects of Intellectual Property Law. Her works are published and cited in print and online internationally reputable academic and industry journals.
A graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, she was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1999. In 2000, she obtained a Master of Laws Degree from the University College London, University of London. A TETFund Scholar, she earned a doctorate from the prestigious School of Law, Queen’s University Belfast, United Kingdom.
She is a member of the Nigerian Association of Law Teachers, the Nigerian Bar Association, the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Enugu State Branch, the International Law Association (Nigerian Branch), a fellow of the Institute of Corporate Administration of Nigeria; a member, International Trademark Association (INTA), a member of The South African Association of Intellectual Property Law and Information Technology Law Teachers and Researchers (AIPLITL), a member of the African Scholars Research Network at Queen’s University Belfast, and a member, Chartered Management Institute - CMI.
Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
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Decolonising Intellectual Property Law: An Afrocentric Approach
Kouletakis, J. (ed.) & Itanyi, N. (ed.), 2026, Taylor and Francis. 262 p. (Routledge Research in Intellectual Property)Research output: Book/Report › Book
1 Citation (Scopus) -
Gender, Creativity, and Intellectual Property Law in the Global Fashion Industry: Bridging The Leadership Gap
Itanyi, N., 2026, (Accepted/In press) Women’s Human Rights in Nigeria: Law, Theory, and Practice: A Festschrift for Professor Joy Ngozi Ezeilo, SAN, OON. Akiyode-Afolabi, A., Ezirigwe, J. & Emelonye, U. (eds.). UNN PressResearch output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter
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From Moonlight Tales to Town Halls to Cinemas: Customary Copyright Practices and Performances that Led to Nollywood in Nigeria
Itanyi, N., 2025, (Accepted/In press) Decolonising Intellectual Property Law: An Afrocentric Approach. Kouletakis, J. & Itanyi, N. (eds.). Taylor and Francis, 32 p.Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter
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Introduction: Rewriting the History of Intellectual Property Law in Africa: A Decolonisation Perspective
Itanyi, N., 2025, (Accepted/In press) Decolonising Intellectual Property Law: An Afrocentric Approach. Kouletakis, J. & Itanyi, N. (eds.). RoutledgeResearch output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter
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Photographs and Image Rights Under the Nigerian Copyright Act- Key Insights from the Decision in Banire v NTA-Star TV Network Limited
Itanyi, N., 1 Dec 2025, The Dynamics of Law and Academic Excellence: Celebrating a Legal Icon, Essays in Honour of Frank Asogwah, PhD, KSGG Professor of Public Law . Aduaka, C., Ukwueze, F., Chioma Ezedum, N. & Onuora Okanyi, D. (eds.). Chenglo Limited, p. 73-91Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter
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Technical Assistance as an Enabler of the Constitutionalising of Intellectual Property Norms in Africa
Nkem Itanyi (Invited speaker)
20 Aug 2025 → 22 Aug 2025Activity: Participating in or organising an event › Participation in conference
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Socio-Legal Studies Annual Conference 2025
Nkem Itanyi (Speaker)
15 Apr 2025 → 17 Apr 2025Activity: Participating in or organising an event › Participation in conference
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BILETA Annual Conference 2025
Nkem Itanyi (Speaker)
2 Apr 2025 → 5 Apr 2025Activity: Participating in or organising an event › Invited talk
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“Closing the Gap: The role of education in improving female participation in intellectual property in Nigeria” paper presented at the International Webinar hosted by the WIPO Nigeria Office, in collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organization – WIPO.
Nkem Itanyi (Contributor)
28 Mar 2025Activity: Other activity types › Other
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Copyright and The Public Interest: Africa & The Global South
Nkem Itanyi (Speaker)
3 Feb 2025Activity: Participating in or organising an event › Participation in conference