A Study on the Boundaries of Copyright Protection for AI-Generated Content

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) challenges traditional copyright law by questioning authorship, originality, and infringement standards. This paper explores the copyright boundaries of AI-generated content through theoretical analysis, comparative study, and case review. It finds that outputs created without human input should not be protected, while human–AI collaborative works may qualify for limited rights. Drawing on practices in the United States, United Kingdom, and European Union, the study proposes institutional pathways for China, including clarifying the legal status of AI-generated works, introducing a “special protection right,” refining originality thresholds, and expanding fair use. The paper argues for a balanced copyright framework that promotes innovation, preserves the public domain, and adapts to the digital era.