An Empirical Study on Granting Copyright Protection to AI-Generated Works

This paper examines whether copyright protection should be extended to AI-generated works, with a focus on the Indian legal framework. It analyses the concept of originality and authorship under the Copyright Act, 1957, and explores how these requirements apply to works created with the assistance of generative AI. The study adopts an empirical approach, drawing on responses from legal professionals, researchers, and practitioners to understand their perspectives on ownership, liability, and the broader implications of granting protection to such works. The findings reveal a divided yet cautious inclination towards recognising AI-assisted creations, particularly where meaningful human input is involved. While most respondents support limited copyright protection as a means to encourage innovation, concerns remain regarding authorship attribution and the use of copyrighted material for training AI systems. The paper argues for a balanced, human-centric approach that acknowledges technological developments while preserving the core principles of copyright law. It concludes by recommending legislative clarity and a structured framework to address emerging issues in AI-driven creativity.