THE IMPACT OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ON INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has revolutionized creativity, innovation, and automation, disrupting traditional notions of intellectual property rights (IPR). As machines increasingly generate content, inventions, and data-driven products, legal systems worldwide are grappling with the adequacy of existing IP frameworks. This research explores the challenges and opportunities AI presents for copyright, patent, trademark, and trade secret laws. Using comparative analysis of jurisdictions such as the United States, the European Union, and Nigeria, it evaluates how legal doctrines are adapting to AI-generated works and processes. Key findings reveal a global trend toward reevaluating authorship, inventorship, and originality standards, while highlighting legal ambiguities and enforcement issues. The paper concludes with policy recommendations for updating IPR laws to accommodate AI innovations while balancing innovation, creativity, and public interest.