“Chat GPT, I intend to put in an entry for an essay contest. So generate a 1700-word essay that addresses the theme ‘Navigating Nigerian Copyright Law in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Emerging Challenges and Proposed Solutions’. Make sure to maintain an academic language and ensure to include accurate references.”
If a student inputted the prompt above into ChatGPT’s chat box or that of any generative AI model, the big question is: are they entitled to own the copyright to such generated material? What happens if they made a number of modifications and edits to the generated material, can they then attach their name as the bona fide author of the essay? Or is it the AI itself that owns the work after all?
These questions represent a wider array of copyright considerations and debates that have arisen since the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has exploded into the widespread phenomenon it is today. From artworks and poems to novels and paintings, AI has evolved into sophisticated content generators, thanks to constant technological research and unceasing innovation.
As AI models are poised to develop even more technical capabilities, industry regulators in the world of Intellectual Property today are, more than ever before, seeking solutions to the challenges that AI has engendered. This essay represents my contribution to the ongoing debate. Particularly, this essay examines the stance of Nigerian copyright law in an age of Artificial Intelligence. I also map out the grey areas where Nigerian legislation is not so clear-cut, while drawing lessons and policy recommendations from other jurisdictions.
