AI and Intellectual Property

Overview: 

This 1-hour course provides a foundational understanding of how artificial intelligence intersects with copyright and patent law, focusing on the legal implications of using copyrighted works as training data. Participants will explore key issues such as fair use, licensing strategies, and how to minimize intellectual property (IP) exposure in AI development. The session will include a review of the Thomson Reuters v. Ross case, highlighting the legal risks of training AI models on protected content like Westlaw headnotes. Attendees will also gain practical insights into responsible data stewardship and content licensing approaches. Designed for IP counsel, tech lawyers, and advisors working with AI developers, the course requires no prior background in AI or IP law. 

Course Objective: 

By the end of this 1-hour course, participants will be able to:

• Identify key intellectual property (IP) risks associated with training AI models on copyrighted and patented content.
• Explain the legal principles of copyright and patent law as they relate to AI development and use.
• Assess the applicability of fair use in the context of AI training data.
• Evaluate the legal and ethical implications of using unlicensed data sets in AI systems.
• Apply practical strategies for minimizing IP exposure, including licensing models and data stewardship practices.
• Analyze recent case law, including Thomson Reuters v. Ross, to understand current legal interpretations and enforcement trends.

Target Audience: 

This session is designed for IP counsel, technology lawyers, and legal advisors who work with AI developers or are involved in advising on the legal and regulatory aspects of AI systems. It is also suitable for professionals seeking to better understand the IP implications of using third-party content in AI training, including issues related to copyright, patents, and licensing. 

Basic Knowledge:

There are no formal prerequisites for this session. However, a basic understanding of intellectual property law-particularly copyright and patent principles-will be beneficial. Familiarity with artificial intelligence concepts and how AI systems are trained can also help participants fully engage with the material.