Artificial Intelligence and Copyright Law: Emerging Ownership and Authorship Dilemmas

Abstract

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies has fundamentally challenged traditional concepts of authorship, originality, and ownership within copyright law. AI systems are now capable of autonomously generating literary works, music, visual art, software code, and other creative outputs that were historically attributed solely to human creators. This technological shift raises complex legal questions regarding whether AI-generated works qualify for copyright protection, who should be recognized as the lawful author, and how liability should be assigned in cases of infringement.

This study critically examines emerging authorship and ownership dilemmas in the context of AI-generated content. It analyzes existing copyright doctrines—particularly the requirement of human originality—across major jurisdictions including the United States, the European Union, and select Asia-Pacific countries. The research further explores policy debates surrounding algorithmic creativity, training data use, derivative works, and moral rights. Special attention is given to recent judicial decisions and legislative proposals addressing generative AI systems and machine learning models.

Through comparative legal analysis and policy evaluation, the paper argues that current copyright frameworks are inadequately equipped to address autonomous creative systems. It proposes adaptive legal models that balance innovation incentives, human creative contribution, transparency in AI development, and public access to knowledge. By reassessing foundational copyright principles in light of technological transformation, the study contributes to ongoing global discourse on regulating creativity in the age of artificial intelligence.