You Can't Own Infinity: Next Generation Rights In the Next Generation of Fluid Interactive AI Creativity

Artists can now create songs and artworks that expand infinitely, as GenAI shatters temporal and spatial boundaries. In turn, allowing copyright over new artworks would incentivise “copy-mining”, as those with the most compute could own the most creativity. However, this shattering of copyright’s foundation is only the beginning as innovators ratchet up GenAI’s control and speed. We are on the dawn of an era of bi-directional creativity. Where each artwork becomes its own canvas, each song its own instrument, blurring the line between artist and audience.

What is the role of ownership in a world where everything can be turned into everything else – instantly remixed by audiences?

In this first of its kind research in discussion with the pioneers of GenAI creative tools, I assess the sustainability of ownership over next-gen interactive artistic works.

How can copyright stay useful if it allows control over that which is valuable in its uncontrollability? Why might its enforcement drive power away from creators? If copyright is dysfunctional, which protections are necessary to avoid exploitation and stimulate functional creative economies of the future?