OWNERSHIP AND LEGAL CHALLENGES OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE GENERATED CONTENT UNDER NIGERIAN COPYRIGHT LAW

AI-generated content has blurred the traditional boundaries of creativity, raising intriguing, thought-provoking and complex challenges for the age-old concept of copyright and copyright law. This research investigated the ownership and legal challenges associated with AIgenerated content under Nigerian copyright law. The primary aim was to propose a robust legal framework that effectively addresses AI-generated content within the Nigerian copyright context. The research employed a doctrinal legal research approach, drawing insights from both primary sources such as the Nigerian Copyright Act of 2022 and international agreements, and secondary sources including scholarly articles and academic journals. The research found that the current Nigerian Copyright Act emphasises human effort for copyright eligibility, leaving AI-generated content in a legal grey area. The study recommended amendments to the Nigerian Copyright Act to include provisions that recognise and protect AI-generated works, balancing the rights and responsibilities of AI developers and users. This approach not only aligned with international standards but also fosters innovation while ensuring the protection of intellectual property rights. The study concluded with a call for a proper understanding of authorship and ownership in the digital age, essential for maintaining a fair and functional copyright framework amidst the advancements in AI technology.