Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Large Language Models (LLMs) are all the rage today. Writers use LLMs to generate text; artists use generative AI to create AI art. People from all walks of life are learning how to use AI to their benefit.
However, behind the scenes, what lies largely unregulated is how AI companies train their AI to produce output. AI companies are forging ahead with very few safeguards for protecting intellectual property rights, from data collected from the public domain to data scraped online.
How can you protect your intellectual property (IP) against such widespread data collection?
Secure your IP rights
While copyright is automatic upon creation, patents and trademarks must be registered to secure complete legal protection. Aside from registering these creations, monitoring them and enforcing your claims against unauthorized use is vital. You may request DMCA (Digital Millenium Copyright Act) takedown notices against individuals or companies infringing on your IP.
Use technology to fight technology
DRM (digital rights management) and watermarks are two basic technologies you can use. While not completely effective, they deter the simplest acts of IP infringement. You can also use anti-scraping tools to detect and block bots from scraping your company’s online data.
Consider having someone monitor and analyze your site’s traffic patterns and server logs. Unusual spikes in traffic or repeated requests for the same page may indicate scraping activity. You can also check for copies of your IP on the web regularly. Google Alerts has a feature notifying you when your content appears on other websites.
Advocate for clearer laws
Join other groups calling for updated regulation on the use of AI. IP law needs to catch up to the rapid pace of technological development. Engaging with policymakers and public officials can help shape stronger laws protecting your intellectual property. Consider consulting with a legal counsel versed in IP law to help you strengthen your IP protections.
