The uncertainties caused by artificial intelligence in the field of intellectual property were discussed at IZU. At the “International Symposium on Artificial Intelligence and Intellectual Property,” representatives from academia, law, and the music industry came together to discuss current issues and solution proposals.
The “International Symposium on Artificial Intelligence and Intellectual Property,” organized in cooperation with the Justice Academy of Türkiye, Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University (IZU), and the Professional Association of Phonogram Producers Holding Related Rights (MÜ-YAP), was held at the IZU Abdullah Tivnikli Conference Hall. The symposium, attended by IZU Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Erhan İçener, Dean of the Faculty of Law Prof. Dr. Canan Küçükali, Faculty Member Prof. Dr. Mustafa Ateş, as well as representatives from the Justice Academy of Türkiye, MÜ-YAP, and the Musical Work Owners’ Society of Türkiye (MESAM), along with academics and students, addressed the effects of artificial intelligence on intellectual property law, new issues arising in the context of copyright and industrial rights, and the need for regulation in this field.
PROF. DR. İÇENER: “WE NEED AUTHENTICITY”
Speaking at the opening of the symposium, IZU Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Erhan İçener emphasized the growing presence of artificial intelligence in daily life and highlighted the importance of such scientific meetings. Stating that IZU has carried out pioneering work in the field of intellectual property law in Türkiye, İçener referred to the increasing debates on the use of artificial intelligence, saying, “As academics, we observe a great deal of artificial intelligence use in theses and assignments where we expect originality. As in works of art, we need authenticity in academic studies as well.” He added that the limits of how much artificial intelligence can be used will become clearer through such meetings and emphasized the importance of protecting works of art and artists’ rights.
PROF. DR. KÜÇÜKALİ: “LEGISLATION NEEDS TO BE DEVELOPED”
Dean of the IZU Faculty of Law, Prof. Dr. Canan Küçükali, stated that on the occasion of April 26 World Intellectual Property Day, they would address intellectual property issues from an international perspective through symposiums and meetings to be held throughout the week. Noting that artificial intelligence has become widespread in every area of life from commerce to healthcare, from education to engineering Küçükali stated that legal regulations are struggling to keep up with these developments. Emphasizing that questions such as “Who owns the work, who is responsible, who holds the rights, and who is liable for compensation?” do not yet have clear answers, she said, “Current regulations are insufficient; legislation needs to be developed.”
ASSOC. PROF. DR. YILMAZTEKİN: “IT SHOULD BE USED WITH NECESSARY REGULATIONS”
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hasan Kadir Yılmaztekin, Head of Department at the Justice Academy of Türkiye, stated that intellectual property has been taken into consideration in these lands since the Seljuk period and that Türkiye is a party to international agreements in the field of intellectual property, with its legislation following these standards. Noting that ongoing discussions at the Justice Academy are centered on two main axes, Yılmaztekin said, “On one side there are opponents, on the other side supporters. I am in favor of using it provided that the necessary regulations are made if it serves beneficial purposes.”
FORTA: “ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE DOES NOT CREATE SOMETHING OUT OF NOTHING”
Bülent Forta, Board Member of MÜ-YAP, emphasized that technological developments are advancing faster than law, creating new areas of debate. Stating that intellectual property and technology have now become a global field of competition, Forta said that legal processes are ongoing worldwide between creative industries and artificial intelligence companies. Highlighting that the music industry has been significantly affected by digital transformation, Forta stated, “Artificial intelligence does not create something out of nothing. It uses the values created by humanity. Therefore, protecting rights holders is of vital importance.” He added that law must act quickly and that a technological approach that does not protect human-centered values cannot be accepted.
ERGÜL: “WE NEED A CULTURAL AND ART POLICY”
Recep Ergül, President of the Musical Work Owners’ Society of Türkiye (MESAM), stated that technological developments especially artificial intelligence make legal regulations necessary, particularly in creative fields. Emphasizing that current legislation reflects significant accumulation but needs to be updated according to present conditions, Ergül said, “We need a cultural and art policy so that we can protect our own values,” and noted that efforts regarding the relationship between artificial intelligence and intellectual property should be increased.
THE LIMITS OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE LAW
In the first session following the opening speeches, Prof. Dr. Jacques de Werra from the University of Geneva Faculty of Law addressed the relationship between artificial intelligence and copyright from a European perspective, evaluating how existing copyright regimes are challenged by this new technology. Prof. Dr. Irene Calboli from Texas A&M University drew attention to the increasing role of trademarks and designs in AI-generated productions. Dr. Mukhriddin Mukhiddinov from Tashkent University of Information Technologies and Gachon University of South Korea discussed the use of artificial intelligence in academic research and education within the framework of ethics and integrity. The final speaker of the session, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Ateş from the IZU Faculty of Law, evaluated the issue of copyright in the training of artificial intelligence in light of current legal developments. In the second session, Prof. Dr. Nadjiba Boumedjda, Prof. Dr. Jordan Delev, Prof. Dr. Canan Küçükali, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hasan Kadir Yılmaztekin discussed the impact of artificial intelligence on the use of works within the scope of copyright, its reflections in different legal systems, issues of authorship and responsibility, and the intersection of artificial intelligence and design law.