AI, Copyright & Emerging Legal Challenges
Independent Research The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) has profoundly reshaped the boundaries of authorship, creativity, and regulatory control. My independent research in this domain focuses on the legal complexities arising at the intersection of AI and copyright law, with emphasis on ownership of machine-generated works, originality in algorithmic creativity, deepfakes regulation, and the evolving understanding of fair use in digital education. Through a series of peer-reviewed publications, this body of work addresses the urgent need to re-examine traditional IP frameworks in light of technological disruption, while offering contextually grounded perspectives for India’s legal landscape. My scholarship also anticipates policy reforms to ensure that innovation and public interest co-exist in a digital-first future. Related Publications Articles Vishnu, S. (2025). Copyright and digital education: Challenges and opportunities. Journal of Intellectual Property Rights. _____. ISSN: 0975-1076 Accepted for publication Vishnu, S. (2024). Copyright Implications of AI-Generated Content. Journal of Intellectual Property Rights, CSIR-NIScPR. 103-108. ISSN: 0975-1076 Vishnu, S. (2023). Deceptive realities: Deepfakes and the battle for privacy, ICREP Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies, CUSAT, 2(2). ISSN: 2583-8237 Vishnu, S. (2023). Rise of Artificial Intelligence and the Copyright dilemma. Osmania University Journal of IPR, 1(1), 86-98. ISSN: 3048-4634 Vishnu, S. (2023). AI generated contents and copyright ownership: A complex relationship. Kerala University Journal of Legal Studies 11(1), 108. ISSN: 2278‐2702
Reconciliation of the apparent conflict between competition law and intellectual property rights under the Competition Act, 2002
LL.M Dissertation Degree Awarded by: National Law Institute University, Bhopal, 2011 Abstract: This dissertation explores the perceived conflict and potential for coexistence between Competition Law and Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) in India, focusing on the regulatory framework under the Competition Act, 2002. While IPRs incentivize innovation through temporary monopolies, competition law promotes market fairness and consumer access. The study argues that these domains need not be antagonistic, and with nuanced, case-specific application by the Competition Commission of India (CCI), a balance can be achieved. Drawing on comparative legal analysis from the United States, European Union, and TRIPS-compliant frameworks, the research evaluates how legal tools like compulsory licensing, essential facilities doctrine, and refusal to deal can serve as regulatory correctives to prevent IPR abuse. The dissertation proposes clearer policy articulation within Indian law to prevent anti-competitive conduct under the guise of IPR enforcement and underscores the need to tailor enforcement to India’s socio-economic realities, particularly in critical sectors like pharmaceuticals and digital innovation. Related Publications Articles Warrier, V. S. (2015). Patent Law and Competition Issues in the Indian Pharmaceutical Industry, JSS Journal for Legal Studies and Research. 3(1). ISSN: 2321-4171 Warrier, V. S. (2014). The Macro-Economic Impact of the Patent System, JSS Journal for Legal Studies and Research. 2(2). ISSN: 2321-4171
Regulation of abusive practices by copyright holders under the Competition Act, 2002
Doctoral Research Awarded by: University of Kerala, 2024 Abstract: This doctoral research examines the interface between copyright law and competition law in India, with a focus on anti-competitive conduct in the entertainment sector—particularly film, software, and broadcasting industries. It investigates how copyright holders and trade associations often engage in practices that distort competition, including anti-competitive agreements and collective dominance, especially in a rapidly digitizing economy. The study highlights the inadequacy of current enforcement mechanisms under the Competition Act, 2002 in addressing such abuses. A key contribution of this research is the proposal for a targeted amendment to the Competition Act to explicitly address abusive practices by copyright holders, including collective dominance and restrictive licensing models. By bridging statutory gaps, the research aims to strengthen regulatory oversight and promote a fairer, innovation-driven creative economy. Related Publications Articles Vishnu, S. (2025). Indian film industry’s growth and the rise of anticompetitive practices. CCI Journal on Competition Law and Policy. CCI. 5(2), 199–223. ISSN: 2582-838X Vishnu, S. (2025). The intricate dance of copyright in OTT licensing and distribution, Chalachitra Sameeksha, Kerala State Chalachitra Academy 9(1), 54-59. ISSN: 2584-1173 Vishnu, S. (2024). Beyond standards: Antitrust scrutiny on essential patents in the modern market. CCI Journal on Competition Law and Policy. CCI. 33-54. ISSN: 2582-838X Vishnu, S. (2023). Indian entertainment industry’s copyright empire: A threat to creativity. Journal of Intellectual Property Studies, NLU Jodhpur. 45-57. ISSN: 2583-5297 Vishnu, S. (2023). Copyright and competition: a legal tightrope for streaming services. CCI Journal on Competition Law and Policy. CCI. 27-40. ISSN: 2582-838X Vishnu, S. (2023). Pervasive effect of Competition law on copyright societies in India. Journal of Intellectual Property Rights, CSIR-NIScPR. 87-93. ISSN: 0975-1076 Vishnu, S. (2020). Software interoperability and competition law. Journal of Intellectual Property Rights, CSIR-NIScPR. 180-185. ISSN: 0975-1076 Vishnu, S. (2018). Understanding the concept of abuse of dominance in copyright, Kerala University Journal for Legal Studies. 208-220. ISSN: 2278‐2702 Books Warrier, V. S. (2021). Competition law in India, Thomson Reuters, ISBN: 9789391340117.