The rise of AI as a creative force poses fundamental challenges to intellectual property law. AI-generated works raise questions about ownership, originality, and accountability, while existing legal frameworks centered on human creativity struggle to address machine-generated content. This mismatch may create legal uncertainty, discourage innovation, and weaken creators’ rights.
Challenges of AI in Iran
Iran’s current legal framework is largely based on human creativity and direct human involvement, creating significant gaps in addressing AI-generated works.
Key challenges include unclear ownership rules, limited regulation of training data, patent uncertainties, and insufficient recognition of AI-related legal responsibility.
Need for Reforming the Legal Framework
Iran’s intellectual property framework should be updated to address AI-related challenges while balancing innovation, creators’ rights, and public interests. Key priorities include:
- Expanding existing laws through updated interpretation.
- Enacting comprehensive AI and IP legislation covering ownership, liability, and AI-generated works.
- Establishing expert committees involving legal, AI, and government specialists.
- Strengthening legal awareness and training for judges, lawyers, and other stakeholders.
Global Approaches to AI and Intellectual Property
Leading jurisdictions are adapting IP frameworks to address AI-generated works, data, and inventions, although major legal reforms remain limited.
- EU: AI systems cannot be recognized as authors or inventors; current IP laws are being reviewed to address AI’s role in creation.
- United States: Focuses mainly on practical guidance, private agreements, and data/privacy protections rather than major changes to IP law.
- China: Emphasizes data control and protection while adopting a pragmatic approach to the widespread use of AI in creative and innovative activities.
Recommendations for Aligning Iran’s Legal System with the AI Era
Iran should modernize its IP framework through four main priorities:
- IP law reform: Define the legal status of AI-generated works and inventions, regulate AI training data, and distinguish fully AI-generated works from human-assisted creations.
- Specialized institutions: Establish specialized AI/IP bodies and train judges and legal professionals in emerging technologies.
- Innovation support: Provide clear guidelines for AI-related patents and promote collaboration between technology and legal sectors.
- International cooperation: Engage in relevant international treaties, exchange experiences with leading countries, and align domestic rules with global standards.
This study is conducted at Institute for Governance of Artificial Intelligence and Modern Technologies Law by Melina Yaghini in 2026.
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