Artificial Intelligence (AI) is fundamentally reshaping the ways in which intellectual works are created, distributed, and exploited. Generative AI systems are now capable of producing text, images, music, and video; technologies such as deepfakes and voice cloning call into question the digital identity of creators and performers; while vast datasets of works are used to train algorithms, not always within a clearly defined legal framework. At the same time, AI is emerging as a powerful tool for more efficient and equitable rights management.
Against this backdrop, the Hellenic Copyright Organization (HCO) and the Law School of UNIC Athens are jointly organising a high-level conference that seeks to lay the foundations for a well-informed national and European dialogue on the most pressing challenges posed by AI in the field of intellectual property, with particular emphasis on collective management.
Distinguished speakers from the European Commission, AI Office, and international organizations:
• Representative of the European Commission, DG CONNECT (Copyright Unit), on the EU’s approach to intellectual property in the era of generative AI
• Representative of the EU AI Office, on the relationship between the AI Act and intellectual property law
• Professor Daniel J. Gervais (Vanderbilt University, USA), on the protection of AI-generated works and collective management
• Executives from SACEM (France) and Buma/Stemra (Netherlands), on practical AI applications
• Representative of IFRRO and the ISAN International Agency
• Greek academics and legal experts from UNIC, the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, the University of Piraeus, and HCO
Key questions to be addressed during the conference:
• Who pays creators in the age of AI? When generative AI systems are trained on millions of works, is there a realistic path toward licensing and remuneration?
• Can AI become an ally to creators rather than a threat? How are major European collective management organizations already using AI to detect unauthorized uses, distribute royalties more efficiently and fairly, and manage repertoires?
• How can transparency and reliability be ensured in the use of AI tools for usage detection and remuneration distribution?
• How do deepfakes, voice cloning, and new forms of AI-generated content affect collective management?
• Are new rights or protection mechanisms needed to address AI-related challenges?
• Does Europe hold a regulatory advantage or disadvantage?
• What does the convergence of the EU AI Act and intellectual property law mean for Europe’s creative industries?
The conference seeks to provide answers to issues of concern to creators, neighboring rights holders, academics, lawyers, judges, students, journalists and publishers, business executives, technology companies, and policymakers.
Date: Thursday, May 7, 2026
Venue: Amphitheatre A1, University of Nicosia in Elliniko (UNIC Athens)
Arrival: 9:30 – 10:00 am | Start: 10:00 am
Information: Maria Anna Iosifidou
Tel: +30 211 4447221 | Email: [email protected]
Those wishing to receive a certificate of attendance are kindly requested to indicate this via email at: [email protected]
Certificates will be sent after the conference via email.
The presentations will be delivered in Greek and English. No interpretation will be provided.
SEE THE CONFERENCE PROGRAMME HERE