Journal of Islamic Law Research

Journal of Islamic Law Research

An Inquiry into the Possibility of Protecting Artificial Intelligence Intellectual Products under the Trade Secrets Regime

Type : Research Article

Author
Seyyed Amir Ali Hosseini
PhD in Private Law, Faculty of Law and Political Sciences, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran.
10.30497/law.2025.248011.3734
Abstract
 ‌‌Context & Objective: Recent rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have exposed significant limitations in the traditional intellectual property (IP) rights framework. Notably, copyright and patent laws, which are inherently designed around human creators, fail to adequately protect AI-generated products. This study explores whether the trade secrets regime can offer protection for AI-generated intellectual products and address the ownership rights of relevant parties. The research aims to evaluate the viability of trade secrets as a protective mechanism and answer the question: Can AI intellectual products be effectively safeguarded under trade secrets law?
 ‌Method & Approach: The study employs a doctrinal legal research method combined with comparative analysis of key principles in trade secrets law. It critically examines existing scholarly opinions advocating for the application of trade secrets protection to AI-generated works and inventions.
 ‌Findings: The analysis finds that protecting AI-generated intellectual products under the trade secrets framework is possible but inherently fragile. While trade secrets can provide some level of protection, they fall short in guaranteeing moral rights linked to these creations.
 ‌Conclusion: Although trade secrets protection is not a comprehensive remedy for AI-generated intellectual property, it represents a provisional legal tool that can fill existing gaps. Without substantial changes to IP legislation, the trade secrets regime may serve as the primary means to protect AI intellectual products, despite its limitations in fully safeguarding associated moral rights.
Keywords
Intellectual Property Rights
Artificial Intelligence
Patent
Copyright
Trade Secrets Regime
Subjects
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  • Received 06 April 2025
  • Accepted 21 May 2025