Prof. (Dr.) Pinaki Ghosh, DPIIT IP Chair at WBNUJS, passes away at 61; instrumental in advancing GI and IP education in Eastern India.
In Memoriam: Prof. (Dr.) Pinaki Ghosh, WBNUJS IP Chair Professor
The Indian intellectual property community mourns the passing of Prof. (Dr.) Pinaki Ghosh, DPIIT IP Chair Professor at West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences (WBNUJS), who died at the age of 61 after a prolonged illness. His tenure, which concluded on 31 March 2026, was marked by transformative contributions to IP education and policy, particularly in the field of Geographical Indications (GIs).
Under his leadership, WBNUJS advanced nearly 24 GI applications, providing students with hands-on experience in documentation, awareness campaigns, and stakeholder engagement. A trained chemist and legal scholar, Dr. Ghosh bridged science and law, making complex IP concepts accessible to diverse audiences. He was deeply involved in training officials, artisans, and legal practitioners on the strategic value of GIs for rural economies.
'His work took him from laboratories and corporate boardrooms to grassroots workshops — a rare blend of academic rigor and public service.'
For the legal profession, Dr. Ghosh’s legacy lies in institutionalizing IP pedagogy with practical outreach. His passing leaves a void in academic IP circles, especially in Eastern India, where institutional capacity in IP remains nascent. Tributes have poured in from students, colleagues, and policymakers, affirming his lasting impact on the IP ecosystem.
