Guest Lecture by Dr. Silky Mukherjee (Faculty of Law, University of Delhi, INDIA)

📖 Lecture Topic: "Idea Expression Dichotomy and the changing dynamics of the concept of Originality in Copyright Law: A Comparative insights from U.S, Canada and India”
📅 Date: Friday, November 20, 2026
⏰ Time: 12:15 – 14:00 CET
💻 Format: Online

The idea- expression dichotomy is one of the fundamental principles of copyright law globally. For public good, it balances the protection of creative expression with the preservation of ideas. Within this domain, the concept of 'originality' is closely connected, which determines the threshold at which an expression qualifies for copyright protection. This lecture examines the changing judicial approaches to originality in the United States, Canada and India highlighting the movement from the traditional 'sweat of the brow' approach towards 'modicum of creativity'. It explores landmark decisions including Feist Publications v Rural Telephone Service, CCH Canadian Ltd v Law Society of Upper Canada and Indian jurisprudence such as Eastern Book Company v D.B. Modak. The lecture further examines how courts distinguish ideas from their protectable expression in cases involving compilations, databases, literary works and functional elements. A comparative analysis demonstrates how differing originality thresholds influence the scope and boundaries of copyright protection.

Join us to gain valuable insights into the Idea Expression Dichotomy and the changing dynamics of the concept of Originality in Copyright Law: A Comparative insights from U.S, Canada and India, presented by an experienced academic with a global perspective.
 
How to Participate:
If you wish to attend, please contact us at siapl@ug.edu.pl to receive the event link.
 
We warmly welcome all members and friends of our Faculty community to this engaging and thought-provoking session!

Dr. Silky Mukherjee has more than 15 years of experience in teaching and research in law. She is currently working as Senior Assistant Professor at Campus Law Centre, Faculty of Law, University of Delhi. Previously she has worked as Assistant Professor at the Institute of Law, Nirma University, Ahmedabad and also headed its Centre for IPR and IP Clinic. She has been Editor of prestigious Law journals including Journal of IPR and Delhi Law Review. She holds LL.M and Ph.D degree in IPR from Gujarat National Law University, Gandhinagar, India. She has several publications to her credit in reputed International & National Journals on different aspects of IPR, Competition Law and ADR.