LEVERAGING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR LEGAL DECISION-MAKING IN INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DISPUTES WITHIN NIGERIA'S SUPPLY CHAIN SECTOR

Supply Chain Management (SCM) is a strategic framework that coordinates the flow of goods, information, and resources from suppliers to end-users, aiming to optimize efficiency, reduce costs, and meet service level requirements. In Nigeria, the SCM sector has faced increasing challenges in safeguarding intellectual property (IP) rights due to the complex interactions among manufacturers, distributors, and retailers. The emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly AI-augmented analytics, offers a transformative solution for enhancing the adjudication of IP disputes within supply chains. By leveraging machine learning, natural language processing, and predictive analytics, AI provides a robust mechanism to improve accuracy, fairness, and efficiency in legal decision-making. Globally, countries such as Australia, China, France, and the United States have demonstrated the significant benefits of AI adoption in resolving complex legal and operational challenges, underscoring its potential for the Nigerian context. This study explores the integration of AI in legal decision-making for IP dispute resolution, highlighting its implications for supply chain governance, dispute mitigation, and the broader adoption of innovative technologies in legal and business processes. The findings suggest that AI-augmented approaches can revolutionize traditional adjudication frameworks, fostering a more transparent, efficient, and technologically driven environment for intellectual property protection.