AI-GENERATED CONTENT, DEEPFAKES, AND MEMES: INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CHALLENGES IN THE INTERNET AGE

AUTHORS – VARTIKA MISHRA & VAISHNAVI,

STUDENTS AT AMITY UNIVERSITY PATNA, BIHAR

BEST CITATION – VARTIKA MISHRA & VAISHNAVI, AI-GENERATED CONTENT, DEEPFAKES, AND MEMES: INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CHALLENGES IN THE INTERNET AGE, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 5 (13) OF 2025, PG. 626-633, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has transformed the traditional notions of creativity, originality, and authorship that form the foundation of intellectual property law. From AI-generated artworks and deepfake videos to viral memes, the digital age has blurred the distinction between human and machine creativity. This paper examines the emerging legal and ethical challenges that arise at the intersection of AI-generated content and intellectual property rights (IPR). It explores whether works produced by AI systems qualify for copyright protection, how deepfakes infringe personality and moral rights, and to what extent memes fall within the boundaries of fair use and parody exceptions. Drawing upon Indian and international legal frameworks, this study critically analyses how the Copyright Act, 1957, the Information Technology Act, 2000, and corresponding international instruments such as the Berne Convention and TRIPS Agreement respond to these evolving challenges. The paper concludes with recommendations for reform, emphasizing the need for a dynamic legal approach that balances innovation with protection.

Keywords – Artificial Intelligence, Intellectual Property Rights, Copyright, Deepfakes, Memes, Fair Use, Authorship, AI Creativity, Information Technology Act, Moral Rights