Authorship, Originality, and Ownership of AI-Generated Works under Pakistani Copyright Law: A Case for Legislative Reform

Abstract

This research article critically examines the issues of authorship, originality, and ownership of AI-generated works under Pakistani copyright law, highlighting significant legal ambiguities and gaps in the existing framework. With the rapid advancement of generative artificial intelligence systems, traditional concepts of human authorship and creative originality are increasingly challenged. The study analyzes whether current provisions of the Copyright Ordinance 1962 adequately address works produced with minimal or no human intervention, and how such outputs should be classified in terms of legal protection and ownership. It further explores comparative legal developments in other jurisdictions to assess possible interpretative models for Pakistan. The research identifies key doctrinal limitations, particularly the human-centric notion of “author” and the absence of explicit recognition of AI-generated content. Using a doctrinal legal research methodology, the paper evaluates statutory provisions, judicial interpretations, and policy debates to propose a structured framework for reform. The findings suggest that Pakistan’s copyright regime requires urgent legislative modernization to accommodate AI-generated works while balancing innovation, incentive structures, and public interest. The study concludes by recommending clear legislative guidelines to define authorship, allocate ownership rights, and ensure legal certainty in the era of artificial intelligence.