Exploring the Implications of AI-Generated Work on Copyright Ownership: Assessing the Pros and Cons of Non-Human Ownership in Copyright

Abstract

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence has challenged traditional copyright frameworks by enabling the creation of original works without direct human authorship. This paper explores the pros and cons of AI-generated work regarding copyright ownership, focusing on the debate over non-human ownership. It examines whether artificial intelligence systems should be recognised as copyright holders and analyses existing legal approaches that attribute ownership to programmers, users, or employers. The study assesses the potential advantages of non-human ownership, such as incentivising innovation and legal clarity, alongside its drawbacks, including accountability gaps, moral rights concerns, and the erosion of human creativity. By evaluating comparative legal perspectives and policy considerations, the paper argues for a balanced approach that preserves human-centric copyright principles while accommodating technological progress. The analysis aims to contribute to the evolving discourse on adapting copyright law to the realities of an autonomous creative system.