IP and the Generative AI Multiverse
Published: 6 November 2023
At the Gikii conference for lawyers, researchers and futurists, Prof Kristofer Erickson presented on how advances in generative artificial intelligence could usher in a new era of innovation.
Professor Kristofer Erickson, Professor in Social Data Science in the School of Law, presented at this year’s Gikii, an opportunity for lawyers, researchers and futurists to explore the boundaries of technology and law. This year's Gikii conference was at the Law School at Utrecht University.
Professor Kristofer Erickson's paper explored how advances in generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) could usher in a new era of innovation, with implications for intellectual property law. GenAI could enable innovators to rapidly explore an innovation space and bring out the most promising ideas, unleashing near-infinite possibilities.
In particular, he examined whether existing intellectual property law, such as copyright, would be adequate to protect innovators in a GenAI-powered world. He also argued that the disruptive effects of GenAI are consonant with earlier disruptions caused by low-cost digital copying and digital workflows. Research has shown, digital technology has led to a massive increase in the number of cultural innovations, and there is some evidence that it may also improve the quality of innovations.
In a GenAI-powered world, producers may find themselves competing with not only free content, but also better content. This could lead to a fundamental shift in the way that intellectual property is protected and exploited.
Watch a summary by Professor Kristofer Erikson
Read more and watch the presentation on the CREATe website
First published: 6 November 2023