How will we be thinking about intellectual property in 100 years?

In 100 years, the way we think about intellectual property is likely to evolve significantly compared to today. Here are some potential scenarios, shaped by technological advancements and shifts in societal values:

1. Reduction or Liberation of Intellectual Property Rights

As technology advances and allows for the rapid creation of content and inventions, the need for strict intellectual property rights may diminish. In a future where AI plays a key role in creation and invention, the traditional notion of individual authorship or inventorship may blur. This could lead to a system where intellectual property is treated more like a public good, with a focus on free usage and collaboration rather than strong, exclusive ownership.

2. New Concepts of Intellectual Property Driven by AI and Technology

With AI autonomously generating creative works or inventions, the concept of “ownership” of intellectual property may change entirely. We may face new legal and ethical questions about whether AI-created content should have IP rights and who, if anyone, should hold them. In some cases, AI itself might be seen as the holder of such rights, or ownership could be distributed in new ways.

3. Use of Blockchain and Decentralized Technology

Technologies like blockchain could revolutionize the way intellectual property is managed, moving away from centralized authorities to a decentralized, automated system. Blockchain could provide transparent records of contributions and usage of works, allowing for clearer attribution and compensation for creators. This system could track who contributed to a piece of work or an idea, making the process of managing IP more transparent and efficient.

4. Expansion of Open-Source and Creative Commons Models

The philosophy behind open-source and Creative Commons may expand further, leading to a future where intellectual property is primarily shared and collaboratively developed. In this model, patents or copyrights might only provide short-term protection before the work becomes publicly available, fostering faster technological and cultural development. This could promote more rapid progress in many fields.

5. Intellectual Property in Virtual Worlds

As virtual worlds (such as the metaverse) become a significant part of life, the concept of intellectual property may extend into these digital spaces. Digital assets, virtual creations, and works within these environments may require new forms of IP protection, and ownership rights could become as important in virtual spaces as they are in the physical world.

6. Increased Importance of Ethical Perspectives

As IP rights become more scrutinized, especially in areas like healthcare or environmental technologies, there may be growing ethical concerns about monopolizing critical knowledge. The balance between protecting innovation and serving the public good may shift toward prioritizing public benefit over private gain. This could lead to a model where essential technologies, particularly those that affect human welfare, are more freely accessible.

The future of intellectual property is likely to be more flexible, collaborative, and ethically focused, with shifts driven by advancements in technology, AI, and changes in societal values. These new frameworks may emphasize sharing, public access, and decentralized ownership, moving away from the exclusive control seen today.