Yuen Kit Kuan examines the intersection of Singapore copyright law and AI governance in IBA article 04 Nov 2026 As businesses develop and deploy generative artificial intelligence (AI), questions surrounding the use of copyrighted materials for AI training, and the potential infringement risks arising from AI-generated content, are becoming more pressing. Our Intellectual Property Director Yuen Kit Kuan examines these issues in her article, “The overlap between Singapore copyright law and AI governance”, published by the International Bar Association (IBA). The article explores how Singapore's Copyright Act 2021 applies to AI-related activities, the uncertainties surrounding existing copyright exceptions, and how responsible AI governance practices may help businesses manage potential infringement risks. Key insights include: AI training and copyright exceptions: Singapore's computational data analysis (CDA) exception permits certain uses of copyrighted works, subject to strict conditions, including lawful access to the underlying materials. Its application to AI training remains uncertain, particularly where training data is sourced or processed across jurisdictions. Fair use is not a blanket defence: Whether AI-related activities qualify as fair use depends on factors such as the purpose of use, the nature and extent of copyrighted material used, and the potential impact on the market for the original works. These considerations are particularly relevant when assessing AI-generated outputs and competing AI products. AI governance as a risk management tool: Maintaining clear records of training data sources, documenting how copyrighted materials are used, and implementing safeguards against infringing outputs may help businesses assess copyright risks and support their legal position in potential disputes. While Singapore's legal framework continues to evolve, the article highlights why businesses should consider copyright compliance alongside AI governance from the outset, rather than treating them as separate considerations. Read the full article on the IBA website here.