Renowned expert in digital economy, global knowledge governance and innovation policy to deliver this year’s ‘Or ‘Emet Lecture at Osgoode Hall Law School

TORONTO, Sept. 26, 2022 – Technological advancement has long been viewed as an equalizing force, essential to improving the welfare of human society. It is also the reason for increased global inequality. Harvard Law School Professor Ruth Okediji will deliver the ‘Or ‘Emet Lecture at York University on this topic, as it pertains to Intellectual Property (IP). The event will take place at Room 1002, Ignat Kaneff Building on Thursday, Sept. 29, starting at 12:30 p.m.

Titled “The Paradox of Intellectual Property Justice,” the lecture will focus on how the IP system ensures that the benefits of intellectual assets accrue principally to wealthy and powerful states, by excluding forms of creativity and collaboration that subordinate markets and autonomy to communal norms and constraints.

Okediji’s presentation will include the history of technological imperialism and highlight the inequalities – structural, demographic, geographic and cultural –generated by the modern intellectual-property regime. She will also speak to “how proposals for doctrinal reform to address IP inequality – without exploring the institutional and technological trade-offs – fundamentally impede a sustainable conception of IP justice.”

The ‘Or ‘Emet Lecture is presented annually by Osgoode’s Jack & Mae Nathanson Centre on Transnational Human Rights, Crime and Security, with assistance of the ‘Or ‘Emet Fund established in 1976. Through public discussion, the fund seeks to promote research and scholarly writing as well as public and professional appreciation of the significance of religion, ethics, culture and history in the development of the legal system. ‘Or ‘Emet means “the light of truth.”

Okediji is the Jeremiah Smith Jr. Professor of Law at Harvard Law School and Co-Director of Harvard’s Berkman Klein Centre for Internet & Society.

About Osgoode Hall Law School
Osgoode Hall Law School of York University has a proud history of 132 years of leadership and innovation in legal education and legal scholarship. A total of about 900 students are enrolled in Osgoode’s three-year Juris Doctor (JD) Program as well as joint and combined programs. The school's Graduate Program in Law is also the largest in the country and one of the most highly regarded in North America. In addition, Osgoode Professional Development, which operates out of Osgoode’s facility in downtown Toronto, offers both degree and non-degree programming for Canadian and international lawyers, non-law professionals, firms and organizations. Osgoode has an internationally renowned faculty of 60 full-time professors, and more than 100 adjunct professors. Our respected community of more than 18,000 alumni are leaders in the legal profession and in many other fields in Canada and across the globe.

About York University
York University is a modern, multi-campus, urban university located in Toronto, Ontario. Backed by a diverse group of students, faculty, staff, alumni and partners, we bring a uniquely global perspective to help solve societal challenges, drive positive change and prepare our students for success. York's fully bilingual Glendon Campus is home to Southern Ontario's Centre of Excellence for French Language and Bilingual Postsecondary Education. York’s campuses in Costa Rica and India offer students exceptional transnational learning opportunities and innovative programs. Together, we can make things right for our communities, our planet, and our future. 

Media Contact:

Gloria Suhasini, York University Media Relations, 647.463.4354, suhasini@yorku.ca