Revisiting the History of Copyright and Contemporary Challenges

ABSTRACT Copyright law functions as a critical legal instrument for fostering creativity, innovation, and cultural development while ensuring that society benefits from the dissemination of knowledge. Over time, copyright has evolved from a narrow regulatory mechanism controlling printing to a complex rights-based framework operating in a global digital economy. This article undertakes a doctrinal and analytical examination of the historical evolution of copyright law, its international harmonisation, and its development within the Indian legal system. It further explores contemporary challenges arising from digital piracy, artificial intelligence, algorithmic creativity, and emerging technologies such as deepfakes and NFTs. Through judicial analysis and policy evaluation, the article identifies gaps in existing copyright frameworks and proposes reform-oriented recommendations aimed at reconciling technological innovation with the protection of creators’ rights and the public interest. The study concludes that copyright law must adopt a flexible, technology-neutral, and human-centric approach to remain effective in the digital age.1 Keywords: Copyright, Artificial Intelligence, Digital Piracy, Authorship, Fair Use, Deepfakes, TRIPS, India. 1 William Cornish, David Llewellyn & Tanya Aplin, Intellectual Property: Patents, Copyright, Trade Marks and Allied Rights (8th edn., Sweet & Maxwell 2013).