Technology & Licensing legal & regulatory updates

Ninth Circuit: Affirms DMCA Copilot Copyright Appeal Dismissal

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed Digital Millennium Copyright Act claims against GitHub Copilot and OpenAI Codex. The court ruled that DMCA 1202 does not apply when AI tools create new works that never contained copyright management information, rather than altering existing works.

Lucio AI: Elevate Delivers Finished Legal Deliverables

Lucio AI has launched Elevate, a new capability designed to transform legal requests directly into finished client deliverables. Elevate generates various outputs, including populated spreadsheets, drafted documents, and deal-structure diagrams, moving beyond simple chat responses.

DRC: RDC-PASS Digital Identity Deployment Advances With Training

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Minister of Digital Economy, Augustin Kibassa Maliba, launched the training of the first cohort of 50 RDC-PASS registration agents in Kinshasa on Tuesday, September 15, to support the deployment of a new digital identity and authentication system. This initiative marks a pivotal step in the nation's digital transformation agenda, aiming to provide citizens with secure and streamlined access to public digital services through a unified digital identity. This development holds profound legal significance for practitioners across various sectors. The introduction of a national digital identity system like RDC-PASS necessitates the establishment of robust legal frameworks governing data privacy, cybersecurity, and the legal validity of electronic transactions and digital signatures. Attorneys will need to advise clients on compliance with new or amended legislation related to personal data protection, digital authentication standards, and the legal implications of conducting business and accessing services in a digitally identified environment. For financial institutions, this system could revolutionize Know Your Customer (KYC) processes, while for technology companies, it presents both opportunities and regulatory challenges in integrating with the national digital identity infrastructure. The legal context for the RDC-PASS system is primarily shaped by the DRC's evolving digital economy legislation. Key among these is Law No. 20/017 of 25 November 2020 on electronic transactions, which provides a foundational legal basis for digital interactions. However, the full deployment of RDC-PASS will likely require further specific regulations or decrees addressing data governance, interoperability, and the rights and obligations of citizens and service providers concerning their digital identities. This system will also interact with existing laws on civil registration and national identification, potentially leading to their modernization. The Ministry of Digital Economy, under Minister Kibassa Maliba, is the central governmental entity driving this regulatory and technological shift. The key parties involved in this initiative are Minister Augustin Kibassa Maliba and the Ministry of Digital Economy, the RDC-PASS system itself, the initial cohort of 50 trained registration agents, and ultimately, the entire citizenry of the DRC who will be the end-users and beneficiaries of this digital identity. The successful implementation of RDC-PASS will depend on collaboration between various government agencies, technology providers, and public engagement. The excerpt does not report on the specific outcomes or challenges of the training or the full deployment, but rather the launch of the training phase. Practitioners should proactively monitor legislative and regulatory updates pertaining to digital identity, data protection, and electronic services in the DRC. They should advise businesses on adapting their operational procedures and technological infrastructure to integrate with the RDC-PASS system, ensuring compliance with emerging data privacy laws and secure digital authentication protocols. Furthermore, legal professionals should prepare to address potential legal disputes arising from issues such as identity theft, data breaches, or challenges to the legal validity of transactions conducted using digital identities, as the digital landscape continues to mature in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

NFSU Delhi to Host National Legal Hackathon 2026

Future of AI in Indian Legal Practice: NyayAssist Sees Practical Shift

The Indian legal industry's conversation about AI has shifted from debating its use to exploring its practical applications for entire legal teams. NyayAssist co-founders Yash Rane and Gaurav Nagotanekar have gathered insights from diverse legal leaders on these evolving expectations.

NCC: Zero Rated Access Initiative Nigeria Program Focus

Okoh Aihe, a columnist for Vanguard Nigeria, last week attended and reported on a program by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) concerning a "Zero Rated Access Initiative" held at the Hilton. While the excerpt does not detail the specifics of the initiative, the columnist's appreciation for attending suggests a significant and impactful program by the telecommunications regulator. The mention of a "Zero Rated Access Initiative" by the NCC carries substantial legal significance for the Nigerian telecommunications sector and digital economy. Zero-rating, where internet service providers (ISPs) do not charge users for data consumed by specific applications or services, has profound implications for net neutrality principles, competition within the digital market, and consumer access to information. While it can be a powerful tool for promoting digital inclusion and bridging the digital divide, it also raises concerns about potential market distortion, anti-competitive practices, and the creation of 'walled gardens' that favor certain content or services over others. The NCC's approach to regulating such initiatives will set important precedents for the future of internet access and competition in Nigeria. The primary legal context for this initiative falls under telecommunications regulation in Nigeria, governed by the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 and various regulations and guidelines issued by the NCC. The NCC, as the independent regulatory authority, is mandated to promote competition, protect consumer interests, ensure universal access to telecommunications services, and manage spectrum. Zero-rating policies often intersect with principles of net neutrality, which, although not always explicitly codified in Nigerian law as extensively as in some other jurisdictions, are implicitly addressed through competition laws and consumer protection regulations. The initiative likely aligns with the NCC's policy objectives of enhancing digital inclusion and ensuring affordable access to essential online services. The key parties involved are the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), as the regulatory body initiating the program; Okoh Aihe, the columnist reporting on the event; and, by extension, various telecommunications service providers, digital content providers, and consumers who would be directly affected by the implementation of a zero-rated access policy. The policy's design will determine which services or applications are zero-rated, thereby influencing market dynamics and consumer behavior. Legal professionals advising telecommunications companies, digital service providers, or consumer advocacy groups in Nigeria should pay close attention to any formal announcements, guidelines, or regulations issued by the NCC regarding the "Zero Rated Access Initiative." It is crucial to understand the scope, conditions, and regulatory implications of such a program, including its potential impact on competition, data privacy, and compliance with existing telecommunications laws and regulations. Attorneys should be prepared to advise clients on potential opportunities, such as increased market reach for zero-rated services, or challenges, such as ensuring fair competition and avoiding anti-competitive practices, that may arise from these policies. Monitoring the NCC's stance on net neutrality and market fairness will be paramount.

Egypt: Military Production Signs Intel AI MoU for Localization

Toya Technology, a subsidiary of Egypt's Ministry of Military Production, recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Intel, a global technology giant, in Egypt, with the stated aim of localising Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies within the country. This significant development was witnessed by Minister of State for Military Production Salah Gamblat, alongside Intel's General Managers for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Gisselle Ruiz Lanza, and for the Middle East and Africa, Taha Khalifa, underscoring the high-level strategic importance attached to this collaboration by both parties. This MoU carries substantial legal significance for practitioners, businesses, and the public in Egypt. For legal professionals, it signals a growing trend of strategic partnerships between state-affiliated entities and international technology firms, particularly in emerging fields like AI. Such collaborations invariably raise complex issues concerning intellectual property rights (IPR) transfer and protection, data governance, cybersecurity, and compliance with local content requirements. The localisation of AI technologies implies potential future contracts for software development, hardware manufacturing, and service provision, which will necessitate careful drafting of agreements to allocate risks, define scope, and ensure adherence to Egyptian regulatory standards. Furthermore, it highlights the government's commitment to fostering a domestic AI ecosystem, which could lead to new legislative or regulatory frameworks to support innovation while addressing ethical and societal implications of AI deployment. From a legal context perspective, this MoU operates within Egypt's evolving regulatory landscape for technology and investment. Key statutes that will likely govern subsequent definitive agreements include Investment Law No. 72 of 2017, which offers incentives for foreign investment and technology transfer, and the Data Protection Law No. 151 of 2020, which will be critical for any AI systems handling personal data. The Cybercrime Law No. 175 of 2018 will also be relevant for ensuring the security and integrity of localised AI infrastructure. Intellectual Property Law No. 82 of 2002 will provide the framework for protecting patents, copyrights, and trade secrets related to AI innovations. The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) and potentially the National Telecommunication Regulatory Authority (NTRA) will play crucial oversight roles. While an MoU is not legally binding in the same way a definitive contract is, it sets the stage for future legally enforceable agreements, and any disputes would typically fall under the jurisdiction of Egypt's economic or commercial courts. The key parties involved are Toya Technology, a state-affiliated entity under the Ministry of Military Production, representing the Egyptian government's strategic interests in technological self-sufficiency, and Intel, a leading global semiconductor and technology company, bringing advanced AI capabilities and expertise. The involvement of high-ranking officials from both sides, including Minister Salah Gamblat and Intel's regional general managers, indicates a top-down strategic imperative. For practitioners, this development underscores the need to monitor the progression from this MoU to concrete contractual arrangements. Attorneys should advise clients on navigating the complexities of public-private partnerships in Egypt, particularly concerning due diligence, regulatory compliance, and the structuring of joint ventures or licensing agreements that balance commercial interests with national strategic objectives. Businesses looking to engage in Egypt's burgeoning AI sector should prepare for a regulatory environment that prioritises data sovereignty, local content, and robust cybersecurity measures, while also exploring potential investment incentives offered by the state. The outcome of specific projects stemming from this MoU is not yet reported, but its signing marks a significant step in Egypt's digital transformation journey.

ILTA 2026 Survey: Law Firm AI Usage Soars, Copilot Leads

In 2026, the International Legal Technology Association (ILTA) released its technology survey findings, revealing that Microsoft 365 Copilot is the most popular generative AI tool among law firms globally, with 76% usage or exploration, significantly outperforming dedicated legal AI vendors like CoCounsel and Harvey. This development is highly significant for legal practitioners as it indicates a strong and growing preference for integrated, general-purpose AI tools over specialized legal AI solutions within the legal industry. The survey, spanning over 500 law firms across a dozen countries, highlights a substantial increase in generative AI adoption, with 94% of firms now using or exploring these tools, up from 80% last year. This trend suggests that law firms are increasingly leveraging existing enterprise technology ecosystems for AI capabilities, potentially influencing future technology procurement strategies, vendor partnerships, and the overall development trajectory of legal tech. The data also reveals interesting variations in AI adoption based on firm size, with larger firms showing a narrower gap between Copilot and other leading legal AI products like Harvey. While not a legal ruling, this survey reflects the evolving regulatory and ethical landscape surrounding AI in legal practice across various jurisdictions. Law firms operating in different countries, including those represented by ILTA members, must navigate complex ethical guidelines for AI use, data privacy concerns (e.g., GDPR, CCPA, local data protection laws), and professional responsibility rules concerning competence, confidentiality, and the unauthorized practice of law. The preference for Microsoft 365 Copilot suggests firms may be leveraging existing enterprise agreements and security frameworks, which are often subject to stringent compliance requirements, thereby integrating AI within established IT governance structures. This also underscores the competitive market where general tech giants are becoming formidable players in the legal tech space. The key parties involved in this report are the International Legal Technology Association (ILTA), which conducted the survey, and the over 500 law firms, representing 140,000 lawyers across a dozen countries, who participated. The prominent AI vendors mentioned include Microsoft (365 Copilot), Thomson Reuters (CoCounsel), Harvey, Anthropics (Claude), Legora, Lexis+AI, ChatGPT Enterprise, iManage, and Litera One. The survey's findings provide a snapshot of the current market penetration and perceived value of these various AI solutions within the legal sector. Attorneys and law firms should closely monitor the continued evolution of AI tools, particularly the integration of general-purpose AI into existing enterprise platforms. Practitioners should critically evaluate their current AI strategies, considering the balance between specialized legal AI solutions and broader, integrated tools like Microsoft 365 Copilot, especially regarding data security, ethical compliance, cost-effectiveness, and interoperability with existing systems. Understanding the market trends revealed by this comprehensive survey can inform strategic technology investments, guide internal training initiatives, and ensure that legal professionals remain competent and competitive in an increasingly AI-driven legal landscape, while also being mindful of the ethical obligations associated with AI deployment.

ICASA: Netflix WhatsApp Market Inquiry South Africa Launched on OTT Impact

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has launched a market inquiry into the growing influence of Over-The-Top (OTT) services like Netflix and WhatsApp. The inquiry aims to understand the impact of these digital platforms on traditional broadcasters and telecommunications