IP and AI – Navigating the future of innovation 2026

Artificial intelligence is reshaping how creative works, inventions, and data-driven outputs are produced and challenging traditional IP frameworks. This course provides a practical understanding of IP protection for AI-generated works, the evolving patentability landscape for AI-assisted inventions, and liability risks arising from AI-driven infringement. Ideal for legal, tech, and creative professionals, it offers actionable insights to navigate emerging regulatory, commercial, and ethical complexities in the AI–IP ecosystem.

Join us for this six-hour remote short course.

When?

11 to 12 August 2026, 9:00 to 12:00 SAST

This course will be held remotely, most likely on Zoom.

Course outline

1. AI’s disruption of the IP landscape 

• How generative and autonomous AI challenge traditional IP doctrines
• Global regulatory trends and emerging policy debates 

2. Copyright & AI-generated works 

• Authorship and ownership challenges
• Jurisdictional differences
• Protecting datasets, training data, and outputs
• Key case studies 

3. Patentability of AI inventions 

• AI-assisted vs AI-generated inventions
• Inventorship requirements
• Patent office guidance (USPTO, EPO, UKIPO, China)
• Drafting strategies for AI-related patents 

4. Liability for AI-generated IP infringement 

• Direct and indirect liability
• Responsibilities of developers, deployers, and users
• Risk mitigation and compliance frameworks
• Litigation trends 

5. Commercialisation, ethics & future directions 

• IP considerations in AI product development
• Ethical implications of autonomous creativity
• Preparing for regulatory evolution
• Strategic recommendations for innovators and legal teams

Who will benefit from this course?

• IP, technology, commercial, and media law practitioners
• In-house counsel and compliance officers
• AI developers, tech companies, and product managers
• Creative industry professionals
• Policy advisors, regulators, academics
• Entrepreneurs and innovators working with AI

Presenter

Jesse-Lee Wrensch is the Director of HWK Consulting, specialising in cross-border legal strategy for technology, creative, and digital entertainment businesses. With deep expertise in intellectual property law, innovation policy, and the commercialisation of emerging technologies, they advise clients across Africa and globally on navigating complex regulatory and IP landscapes. 

They hold an LLB and LLM (cum laude) from the University of the Western Cape, as well as an Advanced International Certificate in IP Asset Management from WIPO, KIPO, KIPA, and KAIST. As a lecturer in Intellectual Property Law and an assessor for international online education programmes, Jesse-Lee brings a unique blend of academic insight and practical industry experience. 

How much?

R3 300 per person

Certificate

A digital certificate of attendance from UCT will be issued to those who attend the full course.

Please note that the digital certificate can only be viewed on a secure portal. It cannot be downloaded or printed. You will have the option of ordering a hard copy of the certificate at your own cost, including the cost of the courier fee. More information is available here.

SIGN UP HERE: IP and AI – Navigating the future of innovation | UCT Law at Work