Source: China IP Law Update

The Beijing Intellectual Property Court has ruled that artificial intelligence (AI) models cannot be protected under China’s copyright law but may be safeguarded under the Anti-Unfair Competition Law. This landmark decision clarifies the legal status of AI models, which do not qualify as traditional copyrighted works due to their nature as algorithms and data-driven systems.

The Court emphasized that unfair competition law provides a more suitable framework to protect AI innovations against unauthorized use or copying by competitors. This ruling has significant implications for AI developers and companies seeking intellectual property protection in China, offering a new legal avenue to enforce rights and encourage innovation. The decision reflects the evolving Chinese legal landscape adapting to the challenges posed by AI technologies and their outputs.