{ "name": "What protects a company knowledge base in law", "title": "What protects a company knowledge base in law", "kind": "terms-board", "url": "https://sellknowledgebasetoai.com/datasets/knowledge-base-legal-protection/", "csv": "https://sellknowledgebasetoai.com/datasets/knowledge-base-legal-protection.csv", "markdown": "https://sellknowledgebasetoai.com/datasets/knowledge-base-legal-protection/index.md", "computed_at": "2026-10-27", "license": "https://sellknowledgebasetoai.com/terms", "headline": "15 provisions of US and UK law on who owns and what protects a company's written knowledge, each quoted from the statute, the court or the authority's own page, read 27 October 2026.", "quotes": [ "15 provisions of US and UK law on who owns and what protects a company's written knowledge, each quoted from the statute, the court or the authority's own page, read 27 October 2026.", "Whose law it is, by provision: the United Kingdom 9 of 15, the United States 6 of 15 (15 provisions, read 27 October 2026).", "What the provision settles, by provision: what a collection of facts or a database gets 5 of 15, who first owns pages written at work 4 of 15, when documentation is a trade secret 3 of 15, how ownership moves to the company 2 of 15, an exception that lets others copy it 1 of 15 (15 provisions, read 27 October 2026).", "The rule, in its own words, by provision: stated 15 of 15 (15 provisions, read 27 October 2026)." ], "citation": "\"What protects a company knowledge base in law\", updated 2026-10-27, https://sellknowledgebasetoai.com/datasets/knowledge-base-legal-protection/.", "national": { "n": 15, "unit": "provisions", "documents": 15, "published_sources": 15, "named_sources": 15 }, "board": { "type": "clauses", "noun": { "one": "provision", "many": "provisions" }, "document": { "one": "page", "many": "pages" }, "fields": [ { "id": "jurisdiction", "label": "Whose law it is", "counts": { "us": 6, "gb": 9 }, "values": [ { "value": "us", "text": "the United States" }, { "value": "gb", "text": "the United Kingdom" } ] }, { "id": "topic", "label": "What the provision settles", "counts": { "first-owner": 4, "transfer": 2, "trade-secret": 3, "exception": 1, "compilation": 5 }, "values": [ { "value": "first-owner", "text": "who first owns pages written at work" }, { "value": "transfer", "text": "how ownership moves to the company" }, { "value": "compilation", "text": "what a collection of facts or a database gets" }, { "value": "trade-secret", "text": "when documentation is a trade secret" }, { "value": "exception", "text": "an exception that lets others copy it" } ] }, { "id": "rule", "label": "The rule, in its own words", "counts": { "stated": 15 }, "values": [ { "value": "stated", "text": "stated" } ], "clause": true } ], "lead": { "type": "count", "field": null, "value": null, "n": 15, "of": 15, "label": "Provisions read in US and UK law" }, "vendors": [ { "name": "17 U.S.C. 201(b)", "answers": { "jurisdiction": { "value": "us", "text": "the United States", "documents": [ { "document": "17 U.S. Code 201, Cornell LII", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/201", "value": "us", "quote": "Section 201(b) of the bill adopts one of the basic principles of the present law" } ] }, "topic": { "value": "first-owner", "text": "who first owns pages written at work", "documents": [ { "document": "17 U.S. Code 201, Cornell LII", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/201", "value": "first-owner", "quote": "In the case of a work made for hire, the employer or other person for whom the work was prepared is considered the author for purposes of this title" } ] }, "rule": { "value": "stated", "text": "unless the parties have expressly agreed otherwise in a written instrument signed by…", "documents": [ { "document": "17 U.S. Code 201, Cornell LII", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/201", "value": "stated", "quote": "unless the parties have expressly agreed otherwise in a written instrument signed by them, owns all of the rights comprised in the copyright." } ] } } }, { "name": "17 U.S.C. 204(a)", "answers": { "jurisdiction": { "value": "us", "text": "the United States", "documents": [ { "document": "17 U.S. Code 204, Cornell LII", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/204", "value": "us", "quote": "17 U.S. Code § 204 - Execution of transfers of copyright ownership" } ] }, "topic": { "value": "transfer", "text": "how ownership moves to the company", "documents": [ { "document": "17 U.S. Code 204, Cornell LII", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/204", "value": "transfer", "quote": "A transfer of copyright ownership, other than by operation of law, is not valid unless an instrument of conveyance" } ] }, "rule": { "value": "stated", "text": "is in writing and signed by the owner of the rights conveyed or such owner’s duly…", "documents": [ { "document": "17 U.S. Code 204, Cornell LII", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/204", "value": "stated", "quote": "is in writing and signed by the owner of the rights conveyed or such owner’s duly authorized agent." } ] } } }, { "name": "18 U.S.C. 1836(b)", "answers": { "jurisdiction": { "value": "us", "text": "the United States", "documents": [ { "document": "18 U.S. Code 1836, Cornell LII", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1836", "value": "us", "quote": "18 U.S. Code § 1836 - Civil proceedings" } ] }, "topic": { "value": "trade-secret", "text": "when documentation is a trade secret", "documents": [ { "document": "18 U.S. Code 1836, Cornell LII", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1836", "value": "trade-secret", "quote": "that is misappropriated may bring a civil action under this subsection if the" } ] }, "rule": { "value": "stated", "text": "is related to a product or service used in, or intended for use in, interstate or foreign…", "documents": [ { "document": "18 U.S. Code 1836, Cornell LII", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1836", "value": "stated", "quote": "is related to a product or service used in, or intended for use in, interstate or foreign commerce." } ] } } }, { "name": "18 U.S.C. 1839(3)", "answers": { "jurisdiction": { "value": "us", "text": "the United States", "documents": [ { "document": "18 U.S. Code 1839, Cornell LII", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1839", "value": "us", "quote": "18 U.S. Code § 1839 - Definitions" } ] }, "topic": { "value": "trade-secret", "text": "when documentation is a trade secret", "documents": [ { "document": "18 U.S. Code 1839, Cornell LII", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1839", "value": "trade-secret", "quote": "thereof has taken reasonable measures to keep such information secret; and" } ] }, "rule": { "value": "stated", "text": "the information derives independent economic value, actual or potential, from not being…", "documents": [ { "document": "18 U.S. Code 1839, Cornell LII", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1839", "value": "stated", "quote": "the information derives independent economic value, actual or potential, from not being generally known to, and not being readily ascertainable through proper means by, another person" } ] } } }, { "name": "CDPA 1988 s. 11(2)", "answers": { "jurisdiction": { "value": "gb", "text": "the United Kingdom", "documents": [ { "document": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 11", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/11", "value": "gb", "quote": "There are currently no known outstanding effects for the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, Section 11." } ] }, "topic": { "value": "first-owner", "text": "who first owns pages written at work", "documents": [ { "document": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 11", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/11", "value": "first-owner", "quote": "is made by an employee in the course of his employment, his employer is the first owner of any copyright in the work subject to any agreement to the contrary." } ] }, "rule": { "value": "stated", "text": "his employer is the first owner of any copyright in the work subject to any agreement to…", "documents": [ { "document": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 11", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/11", "value": "stated", "quote": "his employer is the first owner of any copyright in the work subject to any agreement to the contrary." } ] } } }, { "name": "CDPA 1988 s. 29A", "answers": { "jurisdiction": { "value": "gb", "text": "the United Kingdom", "documents": [ { "document": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 29A", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/29A", "value": "gb", "quote": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988" } ] }, "topic": { "value": "exception", "text": "an exception that lets others copy it", "documents": [ { "document": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 29A", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/29A", "value": "exception", "quote": "may carry out a computational analysis of anything recorded in the work for the sole purpose of research for a non-commercial purpose" } ] }, "rule": { "value": "stated", "text": "the copy is made in order that a person who has lawful access to the work may carry out a…", "documents": [ { "document": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 29A", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/29A", "value": "stated", "quote": "the copy is made in order that a person who has lawful access to the work may carry out a computational analysis of anything recorded in the work" } ] } } }, { "name": "CDPA 1988 s. 3A", "answers": { "jurisdiction": { "value": "gb", "text": "the United Kingdom", "documents": [ { "document": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 3A", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/3A", "value": "gb", "quote": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988" } ] }, "topic": { "value": "compilation", "text": "what a collection of facts or a database gets", "documents": [ { "document": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 3A", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/3A", "value": "compilation", "quote": "In this Part “database” means a collection of independent works, data or other materials which" } ] }, "rule": { "value": "stated", "text": "by reason of the selection or arrangement of the contents of the database the database…", "documents": [ { "document": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 3A", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/3A", "value": "stated", "quote": "by reason of the selection or arrangement of the contents of the database the database constitutes the author’s own intellectual creation." } ] } } }, { "name": "CDPA 1988 s. 90(3)", "answers": { "jurisdiction": { "value": "gb", "text": "the United Kingdom", "documents": [ { "document": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 90", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/90", "value": "gb", "quote": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988" } ] }, "topic": { "value": "transfer", "text": "how ownership moves to the company", "documents": [ { "document": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 90", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/90", "value": "transfer", "quote": "An assignment of copyright is not effective unless it is in writing signed by or on behalf of the assignor." } ] }, "rule": { "value": "stated", "text": "An assignment of copyright is not effective unless it is in writing signed by or on…", "documents": [ { "document": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 90", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/90", "value": "stated", "quote": "An assignment of copyright is not effective unless it is in writing signed by or on behalf of the assignor." } ] } } }, { "name": "Copyright Office Circular 30", "answers": { "jurisdiction": { "value": "us", "text": "the United States", "documents": [ { "document": "Works made for hire, U.S. Copyright Office", "url": "https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ30.pdf", "value": "us", "quote": "To register a work with the U.S. Copyright Office" } ] }, "topic": { "value": "first-owner", "text": "who first owns pages written at work", "documents": [ { "document": "Works made for hire, U.S. Copyright Office", "url": "https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ30.pdf", "value": "first-owner", "quote": "A work prepared by an employee within the scope of his or her employment" } ] }, "rule": { "value": "stated", "text": "work is considered the author and copyright owner.", "documents": [ { "document": "Works made for hire, U.S. Copyright Office", "url": "https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ30.pdf", "value": "stated", "quote": "work is considered the author and copyright owner." } ] } } }, { "name": "Databases Regulations 1997, reg. 13", "answers": { "jurisdiction": { "value": "gb", "text": "the United Kingdom", "documents": [ { "document": "Copyright and Rights in Databases Regulations 1997, regulation 13", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1997/3032/regulation/13", "value": "gb", "quote": "There are currently no known outstanding effects for The Copyright and Rights in Databases Regulations 1997, Section 13." } ] }, "topic": { "value": "compilation", "text": "what a collection of facts or a database gets", "documents": [ { "document": "Copyright and Rights in Databases Regulations 1997, regulation 13", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1997/3032/regulation/13", "value": "compilation", "quote": "A property right (“database right”) subsists, in accordance with this Part, in a database if there has been a substantial investment in obtaining, verifying or presenting the contents of the database." } ] }, "rule": { "value": "stated", "text": "it is immaterial whether or not the database or any of its contents is a copyright work", "documents": [ { "document": "Copyright and Rights in Databases Regulations 1997, regulation 13", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1997/3032/regulation/13", "value": "stated", "quote": "it is immaterial whether or not the database or any of its contents is a copyright work" } ] } } }, { "name": "Databases Regulations 1997, reg. 14", "answers": { "jurisdiction": { "value": "gb", "text": "the United Kingdom", "documents": [ { "document": "Copyright and Rights in Databases Regulations 1997, regulation 14", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1997/3032/regulation/14", "value": "gb", "quote": "There are currently no known outstanding effects for The Copyright and Rights in Databases Regulations 1997, Section 14." } ] }, "topic": { "value": "first-owner", "text": "who first owns pages written at work", "documents": [ { "document": "Copyright and Rights in Databases Regulations 1997, regulation 14", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1997/3032/regulation/14", "value": "first-owner", "quote": "Where a database is made by an employee in the course of his employment, his employer shall be regarded as the maker of the database, subject to any agreement to the contrary." } ] }, "rule": { "value": "stated", "text": "the person who takes the initiative in obtaining, verifying or presenting the contents of…", "documents": [ { "document": "Copyright and Rights in Databases Regulations 1997, regulation 14", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1997/3032/regulation/14", "value": "stated", "quote": "the person who takes the initiative in obtaining, verifying or presenting the contents of a database and assumes the risk of investing in that obtaining, verification or presentation shall be regarded as the maker of" } ] } } }, { "name": "Databases Regulations 1997, reg. 17", "answers": { "jurisdiction": { "value": "gb", "text": "the United Kingdom", "documents": [ { "document": "Copyright and Rights in Databases Regulations 1997, regulation 17", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1997/3032/regulation/17", "value": "gb", "quote": "There are currently no known outstanding effects for The Copyright and Rights in Databases Regulations 1997, Section 17." } ] }, "topic": { "value": "compilation", "text": "what a collection of facts or a database gets", "documents": [ { "document": "Copyright and Rights in Databases Regulations 1997, regulation 17", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1997/3032/regulation/17", "value": "compilation", "quote": "Database right in a database expires at the end of the period of fifteen years from the end of the calendar year in which the making of the database was completed." } ] }, "rule": { "value": "stated", "text": "Database right in a database expires at the end of the period of fifteen years", "documents": [ { "document": "Copyright and Rights in Databases Regulations 1997, regulation 17", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1997/3032/regulation/17", "value": "stated", "quote": "Database right in a database expires at the end of the period of fifteen years" } ] } } }, { "name": "Feist v. Rural (1991)", "answers": { "jurisdiction": { "value": "us", "text": "the United States", "documents": [ { "document": "Feist Publications v. Rural Telephone Service, 499 U.S. 340", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/supremecourt/text/499/340", "value": "us", "quote": "The 1976 Act explains that copyright extends to \"original works of authorship,\" 17 U.S.C. § 102(a), and that there can be no copyright in facts, § 102(b)." } ] }, "topic": { "value": "compilation", "text": "what a collection of facts or a database gets", "documents": [ { "document": "Feist Publications v. Rural Telephone Service, 499 U.S. 340", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/supremecourt/text/499/340", "value": "compilation", "quote": "The first is that facts are not copyrightable; the other, that compilations of facts generally are." } ] }, "rule": { "value": "stated", "text": "These choices as to selection and arrangement, so long as they are made independently by…", "documents": [ { "document": "Feist Publications v. Rural Telephone Service, 499 U.S. 340", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/supremecourt/text/499/340", "value": "stated", "quote": "These choices as to selection and arrangement, so long as they are made independently by the compiler and entail a minimal degree of creativity, are sufficient" } ] } } }, { "name": "GOV.UK, sui generis database rights", "answers": { "jurisdiction": { "value": "gb", "text": "the United Kingdom", "documents": [ { "document": "Sui generis database rights, GOV.UK guidance", "url": "https://www.gov.uk/guidance/sui-generis-database-rights", "value": "gb", "quote": "Sui generis database rights in the UK" } ] }, "topic": { "value": "compilation", "text": "what a collection of facts or a database gets", "documents": [ { "document": "Sui generis database rights, GOV.UK guidance", "url": "https://www.gov.uk/guidance/sui-generis-database-rights", "value": "compilation", "quote": "Database rights protect the contents of a database. A database does not have to be original for it to qualify for database rights" } ] }, "rule": { "value": "stated", "text": "UK databases created before 1 January 2021 will continue to be protected in the EU and…", "documents": [ { "document": "Sui generis database rights, GOV.UK guidance", "url": "https://www.gov.uk/guidance/sui-generis-database-rights", "value": "stated", "quote": "UK databases created before 1 January 2021 will continue to be protected in the EU and vice-versa." } ] } } }, { "name": "Trade Secrets Regulations 2018, reg. 2", "answers": { "jurisdiction": { "value": "gb", "text": "the United Kingdom", "documents": [ { "document": "Trade Secrets (Enforcement, etc.) Regulations 2018, regulation 2", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2018/597/regulation/2", "value": "gb", "quote": "There are currently no known outstanding effects for The Trade Secrets (Enforcement, etc.) Regulations 2018, Section 2." } ] }, "topic": { "value": "trade-secret", "text": "when documentation is a trade secret", "documents": [ { "document": "Trade Secrets (Enforcement, etc.) Regulations 2018, regulation 2", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2018/597/regulation/2", "value": "trade-secret", "quote": "has been subject to reasonable steps under the circumstances, by the person lawfully in control of the information, to keep it secret" } ] }, "rule": { "value": "stated", "text": "has commercial value because it is secret, and", "documents": [ { "document": "Trade Secrets (Enforcement, etc.) Regulations 2018, regulation 2", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2018/597/regulation/2", "value": "stated", "quote": "has commercial value because it is secret, and" } ] } } } ] }, "subject_kind": "provision", "rows": [ { "subject": "17 U.S.C. 201(b)", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/201", "document": "17 U.S. Code 201, Cornell LII", "question": "jurisdiction", "answer": "us", "answer_text": "the United States", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-08", "quote": "Section 201(b) of the bill adopts one of the basic principles of the present law", "text_sha256": "cab0c9c7ed3688beed0db73f0c5c58c3a4f0fda472de9440566080dd0a562afd" }, { "subject": "17 U.S.C. 201(b)", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/201", "document": "17 U.S. Code 201, Cornell LII", "question": "topic", "answer": "first-owner", "answer_text": "who first owns pages written at work", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-08", "quote": "In the case of a work made for hire, the employer or other person for whom the work was prepared is considered the author for purposes of this title", "text_sha256": "cab0c9c7ed3688beed0db73f0c5c58c3a4f0fda472de9440566080dd0a562afd" }, { "subject": "17 U.S.C. 201(b)", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/201", "document": "17 U.S. Code 201, Cornell LII", "question": "rule", "answer": "stated", "answer_text": "unless the parties have expressly agreed otherwise in a written instrument signed by…", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-08", "quote": "unless the parties have expressly agreed otherwise in a written instrument signed by them, owns all of the rights comprised in the copyright.", "text_sha256": "cab0c9c7ed3688beed0db73f0c5c58c3a4f0fda472de9440566080dd0a562afd" }, { "subject": "17 U.S.C. 204(a)", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/204", "document": "17 U.S. Code 204, Cornell LII", "question": "jurisdiction", "answer": "us", "answer_text": "the United States", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-08", "quote": "17 U.S. Code § 204 - Execution of transfers of copyright ownership", "text_sha256": "a6a7fe3feb2fbdcfd15c378984f41344ff46c9a49c7867ee02d9aad8e3de488b" }, { "subject": "17 U.S.C. 204(a)", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/204", "document": "17 U.S. Code 204, Cornell LII", "question": "topic", "answer": "transfer", "answer_text": "how ownership moves to the company", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-08", "quote": "A transfer of copyright ownership, other than by operation of law, is not valid unless an instrument of conveyance", "text_sha256": "a6a7fe3feb2fbdcfd15c378984f41344ff46c9a49c7867ee02d9aad8e3de488b" }, { "subject": "17 U.S.C. 204(a)", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/204", "document": "17 U.S. Code 204, Cornell LII", "question": "rule", "answer": "stated", "answer_text": "is in writing and signed by the owner of the rights conveyed or such owner’s duly…", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-08", "quote": "is in writing and signed by the owner of the rights conveyed or such owner’s duly authorized agent.", "text_sha256": "a6a7fe3feb2fbdcfd15c378984f41344ff46c9a49c7867ee02d9aad8e3de488b" }, { "subject": "18 U.S.C. 1836(b)", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1836", "document": "18 U.S. Code 1836, Cornell LII", "question": "jurisdiction", "answer": "us", "answer_text": "the United States", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-08", "quote": "18 U.S. Code § 1836 - Civil proceedings", "text_sha256": "b7edbd27f90a994b6f86e3d8f685b717945302f3b99d7ea153f0494ac73679cf" }, { "subject": "18 U.S.C. 1836(b)", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1836", "document": "18 U.S. Code 1836, Cornell LII", "question": "topic", "answer": "trade-secret", "answer_text": "when documentation is a trade secret", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-08", "quote": "that is misappropriated may bring a civil action under this subsection if the", "text_sha256": "b7edbd27f90a994b6f86e3d8f685b717945302f3b99d7ea153f0494ac73679cf" }, { "subject": "18 U.S.C. 1836(b)", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1836", "document": "18 U.S. Code 1836, Cornell LII", "question": "rule", "answer": "stated", "answer_text": "is related to a product or service used in, or intended for use in, interstate or foreign…", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-08", "quote": "is related to a product or service used in, or intended for use in, interstate or foreign commerce.", "text_sha256": "b7edbd27f90a994b6f86e3d8f685b717945302f3b99d7ea153f0494ac73679cf" }, { "subject": "18 U.S.C. 1839(3)", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1839", "document": "18 U.S. Code 1839, Cornell LII", "question": "jurisdiction", "answer": "us", "answer_text": "the United States", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-08", "quote": "18 U.S. Code § 1839 - Definitions", "text_sha256": "e00b8b07495c5c16057e0039e3a8f3df508377e06cd1b2cd548105bd2ba57704" }, { "subject": "18 U.S.C. 1839(3)", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1839", "document": "18 U.S. Code 1839, Cornell LII", "question": "topic", "answer": "trade-secret", "answer_text": "when documentation is a trade secret", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-08", "quote": "thereof has taken reasonable measures to keep such information secret; and", "text_sha256": "e00b8b07495c5c16057e0039e3a8f3df508377e06cd1b2cd548105bd2ba57704" }, { "subject": "18 U.S.C. 1839(3)", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1839", "document": "18 U.S. Code 1839, Cornell LII", "question": "rule", "answer": "stated", "answer_text": "the information derives independent economic value, actual or potential, from not being…", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-08", "quote": "the information derives independent economic value, actual or potential, from not being generally known to, and not being readily ascertainable through proper means by, another person", "text_sha256": "e00b8b07495c5c16057e0039e3a8f3df508377e06cd1b2cd548105bd2ba57704" }, { "subject": "CDPA 1988 s. 11(2)", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/11", "document": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 11", "question": "jurisdiction", "answer": "gb", "answer_text": "the United Kingdom", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-08", "quote": "There are currently no known outstanding effects for the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, Section 11.", "text_sha256": "e1b10366ea7821c3e9f50c97ec3bb359eab602e47d2d5704f25ace3596269c92" }, { "subject": "CDPA 1988 s. 11(2)", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/11", "document": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 11", "question": "topic", "answer": "first-owner", "answer_text": "who first owns pages written at work", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-08", "quote": "is made by an employee in the course of his employment, his employer is the first owner of any copyright in the work subject to any agreement to the contrary.", "text_sha256": "e1b10366ea7821c3e9f50c97ec3bb359eab602e47d2d5704f25ace3596269c92" }, { "subject": "CDPA 1988 s. 11(2)", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/11", "document": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 11", "question": "rule", "answer": "stated", "answer_text": "his employer is the first owner of any copyright in the work subject to any agreement to…", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-08", "quote": "his employer is the first owner of any copyright in the work subject to any agreement to the contrary.", "text_sha256": "e1b10366ea7821c3e9f50c97ec3bb359eab602e47d2d5704f25ace3596269c92" }, { "subject": "CDPA 1988 s. 29A", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/29A", "document": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 29A", "question": "jurisdiction", "answer": "gb", "answer_text": "the United Kingdom", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-08", "quote": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988", "text_sha256": "e562a8274ed5d6268db0615b6742827226cfe6954ef41abe2afaef77e33997e4" }, { "subject": "CDPA 1988 s. 29A", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/29A", "document": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 29A", "question": "topic", "answer": "exception", "answer_text": "an exception that lets others copy it", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-08", "quote": "may carry out a computational analysis of anything recorded in the work for the sole purpose of research for a non-commercial purpose", "text_sha256": "e562a8274ed5d6268db0615b6742827226cfe6954ef41abe2afaef77e33997e4" }, { "subject": "CDPA 1988 s. 29A", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/29A", "document": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 29A", "question": "rule", "answer": "stated", "answer_text": "the copy is made in order that a person who has lawful access to the work may carry out a…", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-08", "quote": "the copy is made in order that a person who has lawful access to the work may carry out a computational analysis of anything recorded in the work", "text_sha256": "e562a8274ed5d6268db0615b6742827226cfe6954ef41abe2afaef77e33997e4" }, { "subject": "CDPA 1988 s. 3A", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/3A", "document": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 3A", "question": "jurisdiction", "answer": "gb", "answer_text": "the United Kingdom", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-08", "quote": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988", "text_sha256": "5ee5366c460af6baac46a028ccb6ff398e30242f542bc2b7477c8ff6ca847e20" }, { "subject": "CDPA 1988 s. 3A", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/3A", "document": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 3A", "question": "topic", "answer": "compilation", "answer_text": "what a collection of facts or a database gets", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-08", "quote": "In this Part “database” means a collection of independent works, data or other materials which", "text_sha256": "5ee5366c460af6baac46a028ccb6ff398e30242f542bc2b7477c8ff6ca847e20" }, { "subject": "CDPA 1988 s. 3A", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/3A", "document": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 3A", "question": "rule", "answer": "stated", "answer_text": "by reason of the selection or arrangement of the contents of the database the database…", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-08", "quote": "by reason of the selection or arrangement of the contents of the database the database constitutes the author’s own intellectual creation.", "text_sha256": "5ee5366c460af6baac46a028ccb6ff398e30242f542bc2b7477c8ff6ca847e20" }, { "subject": "CDPA 1988 s. 90(3)", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/90", "document": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 90", "question": "jurisdiction", "answer": "gb", "answer_text": "the United Kingdom", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-08", "quote": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988", "text_sha256": "41340d9e7618d2270c113f4d107791882583cfacea0be8e2519d75774b126a0b" }, { "subject": "CDPA 1988 s. 90(3)", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/90", "document": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 90", "question": "topic", "answer": "transfer", "answer_text": "how ownership moves to the company", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-08", "quote": "An assignment of copyright is not effective unless it is in writing signed by or on behalf of the assignor.", "text_sha256": "41340d9e7618d2270c113f4d107791882583cfacea0be8e2519d75774b126a0b" }, { "subject": "CDPA 1988 s. 90(3)", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/90", "document": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 90", "question": "rule", "answer": "stated", "answer_text": "An assignment of copyright is not effective unless it is in writing signed by or on…", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-08", "quote": "An assignment of copyright is not effective unless it is in writing signed by or on behalf of the assignor.", "text_sha256": "41340d9e7618d2270c113f4d107791882583cfacea0be8e2519d75774b126a0b" }, { "subject": "Copyright Office Circular 30", "url": "https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ30.pdf", "document": "Works made for hire, U.S. Copyright Office", "question": "jurisdiction", "answer": "us", "answer_text": "the United States", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-08", "quote": "To register a work with the U.S. Copyright Office", "text_sha256": "12317fd356057c1eb8c378023e4208eb73ca17a627f92720e8e7d30193ca44e7" }, { "subject": "Copyright Office Circular 30", "url": "https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ30.pdf", "document": "Works made for hire, U.S. Copyright Office", "question": "topic", "answer": "first-owner", "answer_text": "who first owns pages written at work", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-08", "quote": "A work prepared by an employee within the scope of his or her employment", "text_sha256": "12317fd356057c1eb8c378023e4208eb73ca17a627f92720e8e7d30193ca44e7" }, { "subject": "Copyright Office Circular 30", "url": "https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ30.pdf", "document": "Works made for hire, U.S. Copyright Office", "question": "rule", "answer": "stated", "answer_text": "work is considered the author and copyright owner.", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-08", "quote": "work is considered the author and copyright owner.", "text_sha256": "12317fd356057c1eb8c378023e4208eb73ca17a627f92720e8e7d30193ca44e7" }, { "subject": "Databases Regulations 1997, reg. 13", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1997/3032/regulation/13", "document": "Copyright and Rights in Databases Regulations 1997, regulation 13", "question": "jurisdiction", "answer": "gb", "answer_text": "the United Kingdom", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-08", "quote": "There are currently no known outstanding effects for The Copyright and Rights in Databases Regulations 1997, Section 13.", "text_sha256": "2e44ad35600ab0e7a11b7b1d74ab54eccf8b52aef6629926c788a47f383099a1" }, { "subject": "Databases Regulations 1997, reg. 13", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1997/3032/regulation/13", "document": "Copyright and Rights in Databases Regulations 1997, regulation 13", "question": "topic", "answer": "compilation", "answer_text": "what a collection of facts or a database gets", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-08", "quote": "A property right (“database right”) subsists, in accordance with this Part, in a database if there has been a substantial investment in obtaining, verifying or presenting the contents of the database.", "text_sha256": "2e44ad35600ab0e7a11b7b1d74ab54eccf8b52aef6629926c788a47f383099a1" }, { "subject": "Databases Regulations 1997, reg. 13", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1997/3032/regulation/13", "document": "Copyright and Rights in Databases Regulations 1997, regulation 13", "question": "rule", "answer": "stated", "answer_text": "it is immaterial whether or not the database or any of its contents is a copyright work", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-08", "quote": "it is immaterial whether or not the database or any of its contents is a copyright work", "text_sha256": "2e44ad35600ab0e7a11b7b1d74ab54eccf8b52aef6629926c788a47f383099a1" }, { "subject": "Databases Regulations 1997, reg. 14", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1997/3032/regulation/14", "document": "Copyright and Rights in Databases Regulations 1997, regulation 14", "question": "jurisdiction", "answer": "gb", "answer_text": "the United Kingdom", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-27", "quote": "There are currently no known outstanding effects for The Copyright and Rights in Databases Regulations 1997, Section 14.", "text_sha256": "c9a63c7eefd03502eda148f995b9f6cbac472d24022c9b36b3b6c8dea4ea50a4" }, { "subject": "Databases Regulations 1997, reg. 14", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1997/3032/regulation/14", "document": "Copyright and Rights in Databases Regulations 1997, regulation 14", "question": "topic", "answer": "first-owner", "answer_text": "who first owns pages written at work", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-27", "quote": "Where a database is made by an employee in the course of his employment, his employer shall be regarded as the maker of the database, subject to any agreement to the contrary.", "text_sha256": "c9a63c7eefd03502eda148f995b9f6cbac472d24022c9b36b3b6c8dea4ea50a4" }, { "subject": "Databases Regulations 1997, reg. 14", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1997/3032/regulation/14", "document": "Copyright and Rights in Databases Regulations 1997, regulation 14", "question": "rule", "answer": "stated", "answer_text": "the person who takes the initiative in obtaining, verifying or presenting the contents of…", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-27", "quote": "the person who takes the initiative in obtaining, verifying or presenting the contents of a database and assumes the risk of investing in that obtaining, verification or presentation shall be regarded as the maker of", "text_sha256": "c9a63c7eefd03502eda148f995b9f6cbac472d24022c9b36b3b6c8dea4ea50a4" }, { "subject": "Databases Regulations 1997, reg. 17", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1997/3032/regulation/17", "document": "Copyright and Rights in Databases Regulations 1997, regulation 17", "question": "jurisdiction", "answer": "gb", "answer_text": "the United Kingdom", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-27", "quote": "There are currently no known outstanding effects for The Copyright and Rights in Databases Regulations 1997, Section 17.", "text_sha256": "81b1567f634ff6eb1f9cf549db5abb7b170042a1f95bc07ccca142710701afdf" }, { "subject": "Databases Regulations 1997, reg. 17", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1997/3032/regulation/17", "document": "Copyright and Rights in Databases Regulations 1997, regulation 17", "question": "topic", "answer": "compilation", "answer_text": "what a collection of facts or a database gets", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-27", "quote": "Database right in a database expires at the end of the period of fifteen years from the end of the calendar year in which the making of the database was completed.", "text_sha256": "81b1567f634ff6eb1f9cf549db5abb7b170042a1f95bc07ccca142710701afdf" }, { "subject": "Databases Regulations 1997, reg. 17", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1997/3032/regulation/17", "document": "Copyright and Rights in Databases Regulations 1997, regulation 17", "question": "rule", "answer": "stated", "answer_text": "Database right in a database expires at the end of the period of fifteen years", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-27", "quote": "Database right in a database expires at the end of the period of fifteen years", "text_sha256": "81b1567f634ff6eb1f9cf549db5abb7b170042a1f95bc07ccca142710701afdf" }, { "subject": "Feist v. Rural (1991)", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/supremecourt/text/499/340", "document": "Feist Publications v. Rural Telephone Service, 499 U.S. 340", "question": "jurisdiction", "answer": "us", "answer_text": "the United States", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-27", "quote": "The 1976 Act explains that copyright extends to \"original works of authorship,\" 17 U.S.C. § 102(a), and that there can be no copyright in facts, § 102(b).", "text_sha256": "4a0851684b27c90d72abc27235ed4e34b401a3c0a26faf56d65a41df9adec46d" }, { "subject": "Feist v. Rural (1991)", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/supremecourt/text/499/340", "document": "Feist Publications v. Rural Telephone Service, 499 U.S. 340", "question": "topic", "answer": "compilation", "answer_text": "what a collection of facts or a database gets", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-27", "quote": "The first is that facts are not copyrightable; the other, that compilations of facts generally are.", "text_sha256": "4a0851684b27c90d72abc27235ed4e34b401a3c0a26faf56d65a41df9adec46d" }, { "subject": "Feist v. Rural (1991)", "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/supremecourt/text/499/340", "document": "Feist Publications v. Rural Telephone Service, 499 U.S. 340", "question": "rule", "answer": "stated", "answer_text": "These choices as to selection and arrangement, so long as they are made independently by…", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-27", "quote": "These choices as to selection and arrangement, so long as they are made independently by the compiler and entail a minimal degree of creativity, are sufficient", "text_sha256": "4a0851684b27c90d72abc27235ed4e34b401a3c0a26faf56d65a41df9adec46d" }, { "subject": "GOV.UK, sui generis database rights", "url": "https://www.gov.uk/guidance/sui-generis-database-rights", "document": "Sui generis database rights, GOV.UK guidance", "question": "jurisdiction", "answer": "gb", "answer_text": "the United Kingdom", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-08", "quote": "Sui generis database rights in the UK", "text_sha256": "cdb01c593292b88703e18514137764e6019120c69517ce779da8fbe152ba0ec5" }, { "subject": "GOV.UK, sui generis database rights", "url": "https://www.gov.uk/guidance/sui-generis-database-rights", "document": "Sui generis database rights, GOV.UK guidance", "question": "topic", "answer": "compilation", "answer_text": "what a collection of facts or a database gets", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-08", "quote": "Database rights protect the contents of a database. A database does not have to be original for it to qualify for database rights", "text_sha256": "cdb01c593292b88703e18514137764e6019120c69517ce779da8fbe152ba0ec5" }, { "subject": "GOV.UK, sui generis database rights", "url": "https://www.gov.uk/guidance/sui-generis-database-rights", "document": "Sui generis database rights, GOV.UK guidance", "question": "rule", "answer": "stated", "answer_text": "UK databases created before 1 January 2021 will continue to be protected in the EU and…", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-08", "quote": "UK databases created before 1 January 2021 will continue to be protected in the EU and vice-versa.", "text_sha256": "cdb01c593292b88703e18514137764e6019120c69517ce779da8fbe152ba0ec5" }, { "subject": "Trade Secrets Regulations 2018, reg. 2", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2018/597/regulation/2", "document": "Trade Secrets (Enforcement, etc.) Regulations 2018, regulation 2", "question": "jurisdiction", "answer": "gb", "answer_text": "the United Kingdom", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-27", "quote": "There are currently no known outstanding effects for The Trade Secrets (Enforcement, etc.) Regulations 2018, Section 2.", "text_sha256": "f48636f6a77d625e11058cd33c1127d67d64545485c2295d73266b17b2199798" }, { "subject": "Trade Secrets Regulations 2018, reg. 2", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2018/597/regulation/2", "document": "Trade Secrets (Enforcement, etc.) Regulations 2018, regulation 2", "question": "topic", "answer": "trade-secret", "answer_text": "when documentation is a trade secret", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-27", "quote": "has been subject to reasonable steps under the circumstances, by the person lawfully in control of the information, to keep it secret", "text_sha256": "f48636f6a77d625e11058cd33c1127d67d64545485c2295d73266b17b2199798" }, { "subject": "Trade Secrets Regulations 2018, reg. 2", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2018/597/regulation/2", "document": "Trade Secrets (Enforcement, etc.) Regulations 2018, regulation 2", "question": "rule", "answer": "stated", "answer_text": "has commercial value because it is secret, and", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-27", "quote": "has commercial value because it is secret, and", "text_sha256": "f48636f6a77d625e11058cd33c1127d67d64545485c2295d73266b17b2199798" } ], "sources": [ { "url": "https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ30.pdf", "label": "U.S. Copyright Office Circular 30: works made for hire", "license": "cited for reporting; the publisher's own statutes, a court ruling and copyright authority pages", "class": "primary-government", "status": "read" }, { "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/201", "label": "17 U.S.C. 201: ownership of copyright (works made for hire)", "license": "cited for reporting; the publisher's own statutes, a court ruling and copyright authority pages", "class": "primary-government", "status": "read" }, { "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/204", "label": "17 U.S.C. 204: execution of transfers of copyright ownership", "license": "cited for reporting; the publisher's own statutes, a court ruling and copyright authority pages", "class": "primary-government", "status": "read" }, { "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1839", "label": "18 U.S.C. 1839: definitions, 'trade secret'", "license": "cited for reporting; the publisher's own statutes, a court ruling and copyright authority pages", "class": "primary-government", "status": "read" }, { "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1836", "label": "18 U.S.C. 1836: civil proceedings for trade secret misappropriation", "license": "cited for reporting; the publisher's own statutes, a court ruling and copyright authority pages", "class": "primary-government", "status": "read" }, { "url": "https://www.law.cornell.edu/supremecourt/text/499/340", "label": "Feist Publications v. Rural Telephone Service, 499 U.S. 340 (1991)", "license": "cited for reporting; the publisher's own statutes, a court ruling and copyright authority pages", "class": "primary-government", "status": "read" }, { "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/11", "label": "CDPA 1988 s. 11: first ownership of copyright", "license": "cited for reporting; the publisher's own statutes, a court ruling and copyright authority pages", "class": "primary-government", "status": "read" }, { "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/3A", "label": "CDPA 1988 s. 3A: databases", "license": "cited for reporting; the publisher's own statutes, a court ruling and copyright authority pages", "class": "primary-government", "status": "read" }, { "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/90", "label": "CDPA 1988 s. 90: assignment and licences", "license": "cited for reporting; the publisher's own statutes, a court ruling and copyright authority pages", "class": "primary-government", "status": "read" }, { "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/29A", "label": "CDPA 1988 s. 29A: copies for text and data analysis for non-commercial research", "license": "cited for reporting; the publisher's own statutes, a court ruling and copyright authority pages", "class": "primary-government", "status": "read" }, { "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1997/3032/regulation/13", "label": "Copyright and Rights in Databases Regulations 1997 reg 13: database right", "license": "cited for reporting; the publisher's own statutes, a court ruling and copyright authority pages", "class": "primary-government", "status": "read" }, { "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1997/3032/regulation/14", "label": "Copyright and Rights in Databases Regulations 1997 reg 14: the maker of a database", "license": "cited for reporting; the publisher's own statutes, a court ruling and copyright authority pages", "class": "primary-government", "status": "read" }, { "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1997/3032/regulation/17", "label": "Copyright and Rights in Databases Regulations 1997 reg 17: duration of database right", "license": "cited for reporting; the publisher's own statutes, a court ruling and copyright authority pages", "class": "primary-government", "status": "read" }, { "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2018/597/regulation/2", "label": "Trade Secrets (Enforcement, etc.) Regulations 2018 reg 2: definitions", "license": "cited for reporting; the publisher's own statutes, a court ruling and copyright authority pages", "class": "primary-government", "status": "read" }, { "url": "https://www.gov.uk/guidance/sui-generis-database-rights", "label": "GOV.UK: sui generis database rights", "license": "cited for reporting; the publisher's own statutes, a court ruling and copyright authority pages", "class": "primary-government", "status": "read" } ], "methodology": "Each provision's own statutes, a court ruling and copyright authority pages were read through estate-fetch and stored whole (sha256 on every row). For every page, three questions were answered from its own words: whose law it is, what the provision settles, the rule, in its own words. Every stated answer carries the sentence it rests on, checked against the stored text; 'not stated' means the page read does not address the question. A provision with several pages reads 'varies' where they disagree. 15 provisions, 15 pages.", "embed": "
15 provisions of US and UK law on who owns and what protects a company's written knowledge, each quoted from the statute, the court or the authority's own page, read 27 October 2026.
What protects a company knowledge base in law, sellknowledgebasetoai.com
" }