Rate Professor Michael Blakeney

Professional Summary: Professor Michael Blakeney

Professor Michael Blakeney is a distinguished academic and legal scholar at the University of Western Australia (UWA) School of Law, with an extensive career focused on intellectual property law and international trade. Renowned for his expertise in the intersection of law, agriculture, and biotechnology, he has made significant contributions to both academic research and policy development globally.

Academic Background and Degrees

Professor Blakeney holds advanced degrees in law and has a robust academic foundation that underpins his research and teaching career. While specific details of his degrees are not universally documented in public sources, his qualifications are evidenced by his longstanding academic appointments and contributions to legal scholarship.

Research Specializations and Academic Interests

Professor Blakeney specializes in intellectual property law, with particular emphasis on:

• Biotechnology and patent law
• Geographical indications and traditional knowledge
• International trade law and IP rights in agriculture
• Food security and legal frameworks

His work often bridges the gap between legal theory and practical policy, addressing global challenges in IP governance and sustainable development.

Career History and Appointments

Professor Blakeney has held numerous prestigious positions throughout his career, reflecting his expertise and influence in the field of law:

• Winthrop Professor of Law, University of Western Australia School of Law (current)
• Former Director of the Queen Mary Intellectual Property Research Institute, University of London
• Visiting Professor at several international institutions, contributing to global IP law education
• Consultant to international organizations such as the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the European Commission

Major Awards, Fellowships, and Honors

While specific awards and fellowships are not exhaustively listed in public domains, Professor Blakeney’s appointments and roles in high-profile international committees underscore his recognition as a leading scholar in intellectual property law. His contributions to policy and academia are widely acknowledged through his extensive consultancy roles and academic leadership positions.

Key Publications

Professor Blakeney is a prolific author with numerous books, articles, and papers to his credit. Some of his notable publications include:

• Intellectual Property Rights and Food Security (2009)
• Geographical Indications: Law and Practice (2014, co-authored)
• The Protection of Traditional Knowledge on Genetic Resources (2018)
• Numerous journal articles on IP law, biotechnology, and international trade in peer-reviewed publications

His publications are widely cited and have contributed to shaping discourse on IP rights in relation to agriculture and traditional knowledge.

Influence and Impact on Academic Field

Professor Blakeney’s work has had a profound impact on the field of intellectual property law, particularly in the areas of food security and biotechnology. His research has informed international policy through his advisory roles with organizations like WIPO and FAO. He is recognized for advocating the protection of traditional knowledge and geographical indications, influencing legal frameworks in multiple jurisdictions. His scholarship continues to guide policymakers, academics, and practitioners in addressing complex global IP challenges.

Public Lectures, Committees, and Editorial Contributions

Professor Blakeney is actively involved in the academic and policy community, contributing through:

• Delivering keynote addresses and lectures at international conferences on intellectual property and trade law
• Serving on advisory committees for international organizations focused on IP and agriculture
• Editorial roles in leading legal journals, contributing to the dissemination of cutting-edge research in IP law

His engagement in these arenas highlights his commitment to advancing knowledge and policy in his field.