Artificial intelligence has exploded into our daily lives. Today, anyone can generate images, songs, texts, or videos with a single click. And of course, the big question appears:

Who owns all of that?
The user?
The company behind the AI?
The machine itself?
No one?

The truth is: there’s no simple answer yet.
What is clear is that the legal world is trying to catch up while technology keeps sprinting ahead.

Here’s a straightforward, human explanation of the current state of copyright for AI-generated works and how different countries are regulating it.

Can an AI-generated work have copyright?

The current rule in most of the world is simple:

👉  Copyright only applies when there’s real human creativity involved.

This means that if an image, song, or text is created entirely by AI, with no meaningful human decisions behind it, there is no copyright.
Legally, the work is “ownerless.”

But that doesn’t automatically mean you can use everything however you want.
There are important nuances.

When CAN an AI-assisted work have copyright?

Here’s where it gets interesting.

If a person genuinely contributes to the creative process—not just typing “make me a cool image” and hitting generate—then their contribution can be protected.

Real creative input includes things like:

  • Crafting the concept or artistic direction

  • Intentionally adjusting prompts, style, or parameters

  • Selecting between multiple generated outputs

  • Editing, refining, or transforming the final work

  • Adding a personal stylistic touch

In other words:
When the person genuinely steers the creative process, the law may recognize them as the author of the parts they shaped.

How different regions are handling AI copyright

🇺🇸 United States

The U.S. has one of the clearest positions so far:

  • Works created entirely by AI → not eligible for copyright

  • Works created with a mix of AI + meaningful human decisions → can be copyrighted, but only the parts shaped by the person

When registering a mixed work, you must clarify which parts come from AI.
If you hide it, the registration can be rejected.

🇪🇺 European Union

The EU takes a similar approach:

  • If there’s no human creative contribution → no copyright

  • AI is seen as a tool, not as a creator

The new AI Act establishes rules for how AI can be used, but it doesn’t grant authorship to machines.

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

A unique situation:

The UK has a 1988 law that recognizes “computer-generated works,” but that law was written long before today’s AI existed.
It’s now under review because it no longer fits modern technology.

🇨🇳 China, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇰🇷 South Korea

These countries are moving fast:

  • China has recognized copyright in some cases where a person’s creative role was clear.

  • Japan allows broad use of copyrighted material for AI training but doesn’t treat AI as an author.

  • South Korea is actively developing new regulations.

🇱🇦 Latin America

Most countries follow the traditional rule:

👉 Only works involving human creativity can be copyrighted.
AI can’t own or claim any rights.

Can you use AI-generated content freely?

It depends.

If the work is fully generated by AI:

There’s no copyright → yes, you can use it.

But be cautious:

  • AI platforms may have their own terms limiting commercial use

  • The AI might unintentionally produce something very similar to an existing copyrighted work

If someone added real creative input:

Their contribution is protected, and you’ll need permission if you want to use or monetize it.

The big unanswered legal questions

These topics are generating intense global debate:

❓ Can AI models be trained on copyrighted material without permission?

This is currently the major controversy.
Large lawsuits are already in progress in the U.S.

❓ Can you sell AI-generated art?

Yes—
as long as it doesn’t infringe someone else’s work.

❓ What if AI unintentionally creates something too close to a famous artwork or song?

The responsibility falls on the user, not the AI.

❓ Who is liable if an AI system causes copyright infringement?

There’s no universal answer yet.

Where is regulation heading?

Countries are starting to align around a few core ideas:

✔ AI itself won’t be considered an author
✔ Copyright will apply only when a person contributes genuine creativity
✔ Works involving AI will likely need transparency about which elements were machine-generated

Future regulations will probably address:

  • How training data must be sourced and licensed

  • How to protect creators whose work is used to train AI

  • Requirements to label AI-generated content

  • Clear rules for responsibility and liability

We’re witnessing the beginning of a completely new legal era—one that will reshape how creativity and technology coexist.

Why Copyright Is Essential in the Modern Music Industry

Music no longer depends on selling CDs.
It thrives on constant usage across thousands of platforms, businesses, and formats.
Thanks to copyright:

  • Creators receive stable income

  • Businesses know what they can legally use

  • Artists retain control over their work

  • Apps, social networks, and digital services operate in a clear legal environment

Without copyright, the modern music industry would collapse.