Frequently asked questions
What is AIII?
The AI Infrastructure Interchange (AIII, pronounced “A-triple-I”) is a WIPO initiative that facilitates global dialogue on the technical and operational aspects of the intellectual property system in the context of artificial intelligence.
As AI systems operate across sectors and borders, existing infrastructure — often developed for specific uses in different industries — faces new challenges. But effectively deployed infrastructure also presents an opportunity to chart a path forward through those challenges, as it has for prior disruptions of the intellectual property system, ensuring that human creators continue to flourish.
In the digital age, infrastructure and technical solutions (such as watermarks, authentication tools, standards, metadata, digital identifiers, rights management and content recognition systems, and digital distribution frameworks) have been developed by rightsholders and creators to build new business models that safeguard their rights. Typically, infrastructure is developed by the private sector because to work effectively, infrastructure must reflect both the needs of creators and rightsholders and the diverse business models, workflows and conventions of different industries. Experience shows that the most effective and sustainable solutions emerge from collaboration between creators, rights holders, and tech companies to determine how best to shape the systems that support their industries.
At the same time, WIPO is a member state driven organization that is committed to providing transparency.
AIII provides a neutral forum for creators, rights-holders, innovators, AI developers, and other experts to exchange ideas and explore practical solutions, while allowing member states and other WIPO stakeholders to provide input and to stay informed.
AIII will not set policy or legal standards. Instead, it focuses on how technical systems and tools can effectively support creators, rights holders and innovators while also promoting the development of AI technology in a rapidly evolving environment.
The official launch of AIII will take place at WIPO Headquarters in Geneva on March 17, 2026 in a hybrid format to allow the widest possible participation. The launch event will feature panels and presentations about the motivation for AIII and the project’s objective, while also providing a formal opportunity for Member States and other WIPO stakeholders to share input via interventions.
What will AIII look like?
AIII is being developed with careful consideration to ensure it offers both transparency and a constructive, trustworthy forum for dialogue.
While there is broad recognition of the importance of infrastructure and willingness to come together, perspectives will differ — and AIII seeks to reflect that diversity.
To support the detailed, technical-level discussions envisioned for AIII, the initiative is establishing a Technical Exchange Network, comprising technical experts from the private sector – such as tech companies, AI developers, rightsholders, individual creators – academia, and civil society.
How will the Technical Exchange Network function and how can interested stakeholders get involved?
The work of the Technical Exchange Network will proceed through a series of members-only meetings to account for the need to provide a trusted, constructive environment.
The Secretariat acts as a convenor and facilitator of the Technical Exchange Network. We believe that it will be key to the success of AIII to allow the technical experts comprising the Technical Exchange Network to set the direction of their work, while also providing clear mechanisms for input by Member States.
The TEN shall have the following strategic objectives:
- Prioritize identification of potential technical solutions to challenges and opportunities arising for the intellectual property system from the development and deployment of generative AI;
- Share and disseminate state-of-the-art approaches, methodologies and practices, including via the compilation of a repository of papers and other reports on technical elements of AI and IP infrastructure;
- Facilitate mutual learning and peer support among technical experts;
- Develop a common lexicon of relevant terminology to provide consistency across discussions;
- Foster cross-sectoral, inter-industry, and international cooperation on key technical challenges and opportunities at the intersection of AI and intellectual property.
In pursuing the strategic objectives, the TEN may cover a wide range of relevant topics, including for example:
- Identification and labeling of AI-generated works and other material;
- Authenticity and provenance of original content;
- The use of AI tools to assist in IP enforcement efforts;
- The use of AI tools to assist in creating new works.
An initial range of potential topics will be identified during a mapping exercise undertaken by the Network to identify both (1) existing infrastructure tools, systems and processes that have been or are being developed across the full spectrum of creative industries and (2) a detailed listing of the challenges and opportunities for creative industries raised by AI development and deployment, to identify those areas that may allow for non-policy-based, technical discussions.
Interested individuals and organizations can apply directly through the online application form
Applications will be reviewed by the WIPO Secretariat, and selected participants will be informed by email.
More information about the operation of the Technical Exchange Network can be found in this Framework. Please note that the working language of the Technical Exchange Network will be English.
How will transparency to and engagement by Member States be safeguarded?
The results and status of the Technical Exchange Network meetings will be shared during a one-day annual public meeting, which will provide space for Member States and other stakeholders to stay informed and give input through interventions, which could include submission of questions and suggestions for areas of investigation and discussion for the Technical Exchange Network.
Moreover, if there is interest from Member States, we will form a Government Expert Group that can meet periodically to exchange on national initiatives at the intersection of AI and IP infrastructure issues. Interested Member States are invited to directly contact the IP and Frontier Technologies Division to discuss further.
What is copyright infrastructure?
Copyright infrastructure refers to the systems, tools, and processes that power the modern copyright ecosystem. These mechanisms enable digital content to circulate globally while helping to ensure that creators and rightsholders are properly identified and, where applicable, compensated. Infrastructure also helps rightsholders protect their works against unauthorized uses.
Copyright infrastructure is not about data centers or computing power. Rather, it involves the often-unseen elements that allow copyright systems to operate effectively, for example:
- Identifiers embedded in music files that support the distribution of royalties when content is streamed
- Technologies that help detect unauthorized use of content online
Copyright infrastructure is often developed and implemented by a range of actors, including creative sectors and technology providers and it plays a global role--supporting the operation of copyright systems across jurisdictions and contributes to their functioning in an increasingly digital and technologically advanced environment.
Is AIII just about copyright infrastructure?
The simple answer is: no.
Copyright infrastructure is one of the well-known, established examples of technical solutions that have assisted in shaping new business models and transitioning the creative industries in the digital age.
While many of the current AI and IP debates center around copyright and highlight the need for copyright infrastructure to evolve in the age of AI, AI raises questions across the entire IP system and all IP rights.
Many stakeholders around the world believe that humans should be made aware when something has been generated by AI. This applies not only to creative works but also to designs, brands and innovations. Technologies such as watermarks or identifiers will have applications across different industries. As AI technologies develop, they are increasingly being used as a tool in the innovation process. Technical solutions that will allow innovators to track both human and AI contributions will become increasingly important in the future in the innovation industries.
As AI evolves, we therefore anticipate the infrastructure questions that will be considered by AIII to evolve in tandem.
Why is WIPO focusing on infrastructure now?
WIPO has been engaging with copyright infrastructure for several years, including through a series of global webinars between 2021 and 2023 that promoted information-sharing among Member States and stakeholders.
The focus on AI-related infrastructure was further shaped by insights from the 11th Session of the WIPO Conversation on IP and Frontier Technologies, which emphasized the need to move beyond policy discussions and address the operational and technical realities of the AI landscape.
As generative AI technologies continue to develop, existing infrastructure - originally designed for the digital environment and often adapted to the needs of specific sectors - is encountering new demands. The general-purpose nature of many AI systems, and their use across different sectors and jurisdictions, underscores the importance of infrastructure that can operate effectively across varying legal, technical, and industry contexts.
AIII serves as a neutral, global platform for stakeholders to exchange views and explore practical, technical solutions that may support the continued effectiveness of intellectual property systems in an evolving technological landscape.
How does AIII differ from WIPO’s other AI work, like the WIPO Conversation on IP
& Frontier Technologies?
These are two distinct but interrelated aspects of WIPO’s work on AI. The WIPO Conversation on IP and Frontier Technologies focuses on policy issues. In addition, there is the ongoing work of the Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights and the Standing Committee on Patents, which is guided by agendas set by Member States. AIII is not focused on the policy debates arising from AI but instead provides a dedicated space for exploring the technical and operational dimensions of infrastructure in the context of AI.
The WIPO Conversation continues to examine the intersection of AI, law, and policy, offering a platform for diverse stakeholders to engage in forward-looking dialogue. AIII, in contrast, is designed to support practical exchanges on how infrastructure can function across sectors and jurisdictions, and in response to different policy choices that might be made by WIPO’s Member States. AIII brings together technical experts, creators, rights-holders, and AI developers to address real-world technical challenges without engaging in norm-setting.
These various workstreams are complementary across WIPO’s efforts, allowing for dedicated avenues to discuss policy issues (the WIPO Conversation, the Standing Committees) and technical, operational issues (AIII).
Will AIII be creating international standards or laws?
No. AIII is explicitly not a norm-setting or legal policy forum. Its role is to facilitate exchange, dialogue, and collaboration between stakeholders so they can identify pain points and potential solutions in the infrastructure space.
What kinds of questions will AIII explore?
The topics addressed by AIII will be set by the Technical Exchange Network and guided by input from Member States and other stakeholders.
- Practical and technical considerations such as approaches to identifying and managing AI-generated outputs, identifying human and AI contributions to works or innovations; and
- The potential role of technical tools, such as watermarking, in supporting the implementation of policy decisions.
These are illustrative examples only. AIII serves as a forum to examine such questions from a technical and operational perspective.
How can I get involved?
WIPO welcomes engagement from all interested stakeholders and will also be reaching out proactively to gather insights and feedback.
For now, the best way to get involved is to:
