International Senior Lawyers Project and East Africa Law Society convened members for a discussion of intellectual property, artificial intelligence, and cross-border arbitration. The session featured ISLP Board Chair Yasmine Lahlou and Matilde Flores of Chaffetz Lindsey, Sarah Reynolds of Silicon Valley Arbitration, and Nagadya Hamidah and Zubedah Namugenyi of East African Law Society. Together, they explored global best practices in IP dispute resolution, the legal implications of AI, and opportunities to strengthen arbitration frameworks across the East African region. Drawing on international and regional expertise, the speakers addressed key debates surrounding AI and copyright, including questions of authorship, originality, ownership of AI-generated works, and the application of fair use principles in training large language models. The discussion emphasized how different jurisdictions are developing legal frameworks to balance innovation with protection for creators. Panelists also highlighted the concept of responsible AI—underscoring that technology should enhance, not replace, human judgment and ethical legal practice. Practical examples demonstrated how digital tools can support research, drafting, and case analysis, enabling practitioners to work more efficiently while maintaining professional standards. From a regional perspective, the session examined IP dispute resolution frameworks across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda. Rwanda’s relatively stable arbitration model was contrasted with Uganda’s evolving landscape, while Kenya and Tanzania’s recordation systems were noted as important tools in combating counterfeiting. Speakers agreed that EAC countries possess the legal infrastructure and institutional capacity to handle complex IP disputes, including the appointment of technical experts. However, they emphasized that greater utilization, confidence, and precedent-setting in IP arbitration are necessary to fully unlock this potential. Finally, panelists considered broader regional opportunities, including harmonization under EAC frameworks and collaboration through regional institutions to promote consistent IP arbitration standards and cross-border enforcement of arbitral awards.
