The movie "Terminator: Dark Fate" doesn't heavily involve Intellectual Property (IP). Throughout the film, trademarked symbols don't significantly impact the plot, copyrights don't hinder characters' actions, patents don't safeguard any crucial mechanisms or devices, and trade secrets don't obstruct characters from acquiring necessary knowledge.
However, the Terminators could represent a form of intellectual property developed by Skynet and Legion. These highly advanced, AI-driven killing machines are proof of the technological expertise of their creators. However, as Legion deploys them to eradicate humanity, the ethical considerations surrounding having and controlling such technologies become distinct. Carl is a compelling example within the context of intellectual property themes in "Terminator: Dark Fate." Once a Terminator programmed and controlled by Skynet, Carl undergoes a significant transformation when his mission is completed, developing his version of free will and a conscience. Furthermore, Carl's journey highlights the complexities of intellectual property rights in a world where AI systems like Terminators exist. Does it remain Skynet's property despite its defeat?
The use of AI-driven killing machines isn't far-fetched. In the Russia-Ukraine war, Ukraine has used completely autonomous AI drones that cost roughly $400 but can destroy a Russian tank [3]. A Russian tank such as the T-14 Armata costs between $5 million to $9 million [4]. This could suggest how AI weapons are cheaper to produce and could easily be used to kill humans and destroy expensive tanks.
The complex ethical considerations around intellectual property are discussed in this film. Legion depicts the dangers of unchecked technological advancements, especially when under malicious intent, and the Terminators show two faces of technological innovation: ingenuity and the potential for misuse. Overall, the portrayal of intellectual property in the film shows the risks and complexities of technological advancement.
References:
Rev-9/Gallery, (Villians Wiki), https://villains.fandom.com/wiki/Rev-9/Gallery (April 6th, 2024)
https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/villains/images/4/4a/UnseenVillain.png/revision/latest?cb=20240210035352 (April 6th, 2024)
Olga Tokariuk, "Ukraine’s Secret Weapon – Artificial Intelligence", (CEPA, November 20, 2023) https://cepa.org/article/ukraines-secret-weapon-artificial-intelligence/ (April 29th, 2024)
Jake Epstein, "Russia's new tank — its T-14 Armata — is probably too expensive to use in Ukraine, top weapons maker says" (Business Insider, Mar 4, 2024) https://www.businessinsider.com/russia-unlikely-using-best-tank-ukraine-too-costly-weapons-maker-2024-3#:~:text=The%20Armata%20is%20estimated%20to,Moscow%20has%20deployed%20in%20Ukraine. (April 29th, 2024)
Vasco Cotovio, Clare Sebastian and Allegra Goodwin, "Ukraine’s AI-enabled drones are trying to disrupt Russia’s energy industry. So far, it’s working" (April 2, 2024) https://www.cnn.com/2024/04/01/energy/ukrainian-drones-disrupting-russian-energy-industry-intl-cmd/index.html (April 29th, 2024)