Abstract Digital Technologies and Intellectual Property Rights 111 Akhila Abilash

Digital Technologies and Intellectual Property Rights: Navigating Innovation, Ownership, and Legal Challenges in the Fourth Industrial Revolution

Abstract

The fast pace of change in digital technologies such as AI, blockchain, big data, and IoT has both changed and challenged the way intellectual property (IP) is created, shared, and protected. These technologies, while being a source of innovation and economic growth, also pose a challenge to the traditional IPR systems. The paper reviews the link between digital technologies and IPR, concentrating on the main issues of ownership, infringement, enforcement, and global governance. It also looks at the notion of authorship and originality, which has been challenged by the new technologies, and that raise the question of whether the law can adapt and whether there are any regulatory gaps. Methodologically, the study is doctrinal and analytical by relying on recent legal developments and scholarly discourse. The results show that there should be flexible, technology-aware IPR systems that ensure innovation and at the same time provide the public with access to the innovations. The paper ends with policy proposals aimed at increasing worldwide cooperation, legal unification, and technological incorporation in the mechanisms for the protection of IP.

Keywords Digital Technologies; Intellectual Property Rights; Artificial Intelligence; Blockchain; Copyright; Patent Law; Innovation; Digital Economy; Legal Challenges