Intellectual property in the age of artificial intelligence: Navigating the legal status of AI-generated works under copyright law

Abstract

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the creative and technological domains has fundamentally redefined the contours of intellectual property law. As AI systems generate music, literature, and artwork without direct human intervention, traditional notions of authorship, originality, and ownership face unprecedented challenges. This research paper explores the evolving relationship between AI-generated works and copyright law, analyzing the extent to which existing legal frameworks can accommodate non-human creativity. Through a comparative examination of jurisdictions such as the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and India, the study highlights divergent approaches to recognizing and protecting AI-generated works. It discusses key challenges—including authorship ambiguity, ownership disputes, moral rights, and accountability—and evaluates the policy and ethical implications of granting or denying copyright protection to AI. The paper concludes that while current laws remain anchored in human authorship, a reimagined legal framework is essential to balance technological innovation with the moral and cultural foundations of intellectual property. Such a framework should incorporate hybrid authorship models, sui generis protections, and international cooperation to ensure that copyright law remains relevant and equitable in the age of artificial creativity.