Why AI could mean more work, not less, for copyright lawyers – Law Times Why AI could mean more work, not less, for copyright lawyers – Law Times

Generative AI could increase demand for copyright lawyers due to the rising volume and complexity of cases, says partner Barry Fong, Intellectual Property, in an interview with Law Times.

AI can quickly create large amounts of text and visuals. Disputes over ownership and infringement are expected to rise as AI-generated content becomes more widespread. “It’s definitely the biggest topic in copyright right now,” says Barry.

While copyright law traditionally has been a smaller area of intellectual property compared to trademarks or patents, AI could change that. “Anytime you have uncertainty, whether business uncertainty or legislative uncertainty or both, you find that there’s going to be a need for advice and a need for lawyers,” he says.

Barry adds that not only companies, but also artists and rights holders, are seeking guidance more often. “I do think that there’s going to be a kind of trickle-down effect. I have seen more clients reaching out for advice on this particular issue,” says Barry.

He observes that Canada is beginning to see legal challenges arise, including a case in federal court questioning a copyright registration that named an AI as one of the authors. “Eventually, we’ll see a decision from the courts, hopefully confirming that the AI was not properly named as an author,” says Barry.

Read the full article by author Branislav Urosevic posted by Law Times on March 12, 2025.