Inaugural Lecture - Professor James Griffin

Details:

• Date: Wednesday 25 March 2026
• Time: 4-5pm, followed by a drink's reception
• Location: Streatham Campus, Streatham Court LT B

Lecture Title: Intelligence Beyond the Classical Machine: Copyright at the Frontier of Biological and Quantum Computing

Abstract:

The legal framework governing creative and computational works was developed for classical machines and human authors. Today, two emerging paradigms—biological computing and quantum computing—challenge those foundations in distinct ways. Hybrid biological systems raise questions of originality, authorship, and the status of neuron-driven outputs. Quantum systems, meanwhile, alter the structure of computation itself, raising issues for software protection, algorithmic expression, and standardisation. This lecture explores how copyright law must adapt when intelligence no longer fits the classical model.

Jame's Bio:

Professor Griffin's main area of research relates to the impact of Intellectual Property laws upon technology. He has recently published a monograph about the development of quantum and biological computing ('The State of Cultural Biology: The regulation of biological computing' Edward Elgar (2023)). This monograph argued that it is important to acknowledge the historical role of biologies in the making of culture when considering such newer computing technologies. He has published articles on the role of authors in the digital environment, such as 'The evolution of authorship under technology: implications for copyright law' in the IPQ and 'Copyright in Music' in Legal Studies. A monograph ('The State of Creativity') has been published which looks at the function of creativity within the development of society. A collection of works investigating 3D printing in China was published in 2018. He is the editor of Merkin and Black, 'Copyright and Design Law.' Current research interests include copyright and rationality, copyright and technology, memes and copyright, communicative theory and copyright, art and the law, and interdisciplinary research into creativity. Professor Griffin is also involved with the development of novel technologies, such as the tracking and tracing of information through technologies such as quantum and biological computers, and has been helped lead projects developing patented digital watermarks for 3D printed objects.

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Host or Publisher Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences