Azerbaijan highlights AI's legal challenges, copyright at WIPO Geneva session

Chairman of the Board of the Intellectual Property Agency of Azerbaijan, Kamran Imanov, has participated in the 46th session of the Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), currently underway in Geneva.

Joining the session online, Imanov delivered a key presentation on behalf of the countries of the South Caucasus, Central Asia, and Eastern Europe, Caliber.Az reports citing local media.

His presentation, titled "Artificial Intelligence and Copyright," explored the intersection of emerging artificial intelligence (AI) technologies and existing legal frameworks, shedding light on the complex issues AI raises within the realm of intellectual property.

Imanov's report delved into the rapid development of artificial intelligence and its associated legal challenges. He highlighted the legal subjectivity of AI, questioning its recognition as a legal entity and exploring the potential hurdles in adapting existing copyright laws to account for AI-generated content. The presentation also touched upon potential future challenges in this evolving field, offering insights into how international legal frameworks might evolve to address these issues.

A key component of Imanov’s speech was the introduction of Azerbaijan’s "Strategy of Artificial Intelligence for 2025-2028," which has been officially approved by the Azerbaijani government. He outlined the country’s plans to enhance its legal framework in response to the rise of AI, including the adoption of specific AI laws, amendments to existing regulations, and the establishment of an Academy of Artificial Intelligence. These initiatives aim to ensure that Azerbaijan remains at the forefront of AI regulation and development.

The session saw a diverse range of participants from around the globe, including representatives from the United States, Brazil, China, Georgia, India, Cameroon, Canada, Colombia, South Korea, Hungary, Japan, as well as the European Commission. Major tech companies such as Google, Shutterstock, Pleias, and Deezer also contributed to the discussions.

The dialogue focused on several critical issues, including the current and future impact of AI on various jurisdictions, legislative initiatives surrounding AI, and the copyright implications of materials generated by AI systems. A particular area of concern was the determination of copyright ownership for works created by or with the assistance of AI, along with the potential for copyright infringement in this context and the legal responsibilities that may arise.

The session provided a platform for an exchange of views on these pressing issues, reflecting the growing importance of addressing the legal challenges posed by AI in the evolving landscape of copyright and intellectual property law.

By Vafa Guliyeva