Can artificial intelligence own copyright?

Generally, copyright law attributes authorship and ownership to human creators.

In most legal systems, copyright is granted to the original creator of a work, and this creator is typically a human being. AI, being a machine or software, does not have legal personhood or the same kind of creative agency as humans. Therefore, the prevailing view has been that AI itself cannot be considered an author or holder of copyright.

However, the issue becomes more nuanced when considering AI-generated works. In cases where an AI system creates a work that is truly original and creative, the question arises about who should hold the copyright – the person who developed the AI, the person who owns the AI, or potentially no one at all.

Some countries might address this by attributing the copyright to the human or organization that created or owns the AI system. Others might argue that the human involvement in creating the AI and providing input still makes them the true authors of the work. There is also the possibility of contractual agreements where the ownership and rights to AI-generated content are specified in advance.

It's worth noting that legal perspectives on AI and copyright are evolving, and there may have been developments or new precedents since my last update. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it's recommended to consult legal experts familiar with the current state of intellectual property law in your jurisdiction.