Intellectual property law and artificial intelligence in Uganda: Trending issues and future prospects

At the initial stage, Al-generated works were categorized as computer-assisted or computer-propelled works, therefore, copyright/patent rights were conferred on the individuals or persons who utilized Al as a tool. In other words, authorship/inventorship under the copyright and patent law is viewed to be human-centric because authorship/inventorship is reserved for the natural human person. Artificial Intelligence’s influence has permeated all sectors of human endeavors - science, technology, academia, politics, business, law, economics and other perspectives. Past experience has vividly illustrated that even a minimal alteration or amendment to intellectual property legislation will reflect significantly on the transformative and innovative network of interconnected systems. In many countries of the world, Al-generated inventions devoid of human impact are not eligible for patent law because they fail the test of the non-obvious requirement, even though Artificial Intelligence is viewed as a person with ‘skills in the art‘. This article focuses on the conceptual and legal issues that arise in the evolution and revolution of AI-generated works. The writers adopt a doctrinal approach, citing primary and secondary sources in the thematic study of AI and IP in Uganda, whilst drawing comparative analysis from other developed economies such as the US, UK and China. In conclusion, the authors advocate exploring the public domain option, trade secret and other contractual arrangements for inventors and IP owners, due to the fact that Uganda and other developing countries are primarily technology users. The article recommends policy changes to accommodate the incursion of AI and its resultant effects on IP laws in Uganda.