# What protects a company knowledge base in law

> 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.

Sell Knowledge Base to AI · https://sellknowledgebasetoai.com/datasets/knowledge-base-legal-protection/ · computed 2026-10-27

**Provisions read in US and UK law:** 15 provisions (15 pages read; 15 named).

## The answers, question by question

- **Whose law it is:** the United Kingdom 9, the United States 6
- **What the provision settles:** what a collection of facts or a database gets 5, who first owns pages written at work 4, when documentation is a trade secret 3, how ownership moves to the company 2, an exception that lets others copy it 1
- **The rule, in its own words:** stated 15

## Every provision

| Provision | Whose law it is | What the provision settles | The rule, in its own words |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17 U.S.C. 201(b) | the United States | who first owns pages written at work | unless the parties have expressly agreed otherwise in a written instrument signed by… |
| 17 U.S.C. 204(a) | the United States | how ownership moves to the company | is in writing and signed by the owner of the rights conveyed or such owner’s duly… |
| 18 U.S.C. 1836(b) | the United States | when documentation is a trade secret | is related to a product or service used in, or intended for use in, interstate or foreign… |
| 18 U.S.C. 1839(3) | the United States | when documentation is a trade secret | the information derives independent economic value, actual or potential, from not being… |
| CDPA 1988 s. 11(2) | the United Kingdom | who first owns pages written at work | his employer is the first owner of any copyright in the work subject to any agreement to… |
| CDPA 1988 s. 29A | the United Kingdom | an exception that lets others copy it | the copy is made in order that a person who has lawful access to the work may carry out a… |
| CDPA 1988 s. 3A | the United Kingdom | what a collection of facts or a database gets | by reason of the selection or arrangement of the contents of the database the database… |
| CDPA 1988 s. 90(3) | the United Kingdom | how ownership moves to the company | An assignment of copyright is not effective unless it is in writing signed by or on… |
| Copyright Office Circular 30 | the United States | who first owns pages written at work | work is considered the author and copyright owner. |
| Databases Regulations 1997, reg. 13 | the United Kingdom | what a collection of facts or a database gets | it is immaterial whether or not the database or any of its contents is a copyright work |
| Databases Regulations 1997, reg. 14 | the United Kingdom | who first owns pages written at work | the person who takes the initiative in obtaining, verifying or presenting the contents of… |
| Databases Regulations 1997, reg. 17 | the United Kingdom | what a collection of facts or a database gets | Database right in a database expires at the end of the period of fifteen years |
| Feist v. Rural (1991) | the United States | what a collection of facts or a database gets | These choices as to selection and arrangement, so long as they are made independently by… |
| GOV.UK, sui generis database rights | the United Kingdom | what a collection of facts or a database gets | UK databases created before 1 January 2021 will continue to be protected in the EU and… |
| Trade Secrets Regulations 2018, reg. 2 | the United Kingdom | when documentation is a trade secret | has commercial value because it is secret, and |

## The sentence each answer rests on (45)

- 17 U.S.C. 201(b), [17 U.S. Code 201, Cornell LII](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/201), read 2026-10-08, Whose law it is: "Section 201(b) of the bill adopts one of the basic principles of the present law"
- 17 U.S.C. 201(b), [17 U.S. Code 201, Cornell LII](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/201), read 2026-10-08, What the provision settles: "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"
- 17 U.S.C. 201(b), [17 U.S. Code 201, Cornell LII](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/201), read 2026-10-08, The rule, in its own words: "unless the parties have expressly agreed otherwise in a written instrument signed by them, owns all of the rights comprised in the copyright."
- 17 U.S.C. 204(a), [17 U.S. Code 204, Cornell LII](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/204), read 2026-10-08, Whose law it is: "17 U.S. Code § 204 - Execution of transfers of copyright ownership"
- 17 U.S.C. 204(a), [17 U.S. Code 204, Cornell LII](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/204), read 2026-10-08, What the provision settles: "A transfer of copyright ownership, other than by operation of law, is not valid unless an instrument of conveyance"
- 17 U.S.C. 204(a), [17 U.S. Code 204, Cornell LII](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/204), read 2026-10-08, The rule, in its own words: "is in writing and signed by the owner of the rights conveyed or such owner’s duly authorized agent."
- 18 U.S.C. 1836(b), [18 U.S. Code 1836, Cornell LII](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1836), read 2026-10-08, Whose law it is: "18 U.S. Code § 1836 - Civil proceedings"
- 18 U.S.C. 1836(b), [18 U.S. Code 1836, Cornell LII](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1836), read 2026-10-08, What the provision settles: "that is misappropriated may bring a civil action under this subsection if the"
- 18 U.S.C. 1836(b), [18 U.S. Code 1836, Cornell LII](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1836), read 2026-10-08, The rule, in its own words: "is related to a product or service used in, or intended for use in, interstate or foreign commerce."
- 18 U.S.C. 1839(3), [18 U.S. Code 1839, Cornell LII](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1839), read 2026-10-08, Whose law it is: "18 U.S. Code § 1839 - Definitions"
- 18 U.S.C. 1839(3), [18 U.S. Code 1839, Cornell LII](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1839), read 2026-10-08, What the provision settles: "thereof has taken reasonable measures to keep such information secret; and"
- 18 U.S.C. 1839(3), [18 U.S. Code 1839, Cornell LII](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1839), read 2026-10-08, The rule, in its own words: "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"
- CDPA 1988 s. 11(2), [Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 11](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/11), read 2026-10-08, Whose law it is: "There are currently no known outstanding effects for the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, Section 11."
- CDPA 1988 s. 11(2), [Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 11](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/11), read 2026-10-08, What the provision settles: "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."
- CDPA 1988 s. 11(2), [Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 11](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/11), read 2026-10-08, The rule, in its own words: "his employer is the first owner of any copyright in the work subject to any agreement to the contrary."
- CDPA 1988 s. 29A, [Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 29A](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/29A), read 2026-10-08, Whose law it is: "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988"
- CDPA 1988 s. 29A, [Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 29A](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/29A), read 2026-10-08, What the provision settles: "may carry out a computational analysis of anything recorded in the work for the sole purpose of research for a non-commercial purpose"
- CDPA 1988 s. 29A, [Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 29A](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/29A), read 2026-10-08, The rule, in its own words: "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"
- CDPA 1988 s. 3A, [Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 3A](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/3A), read 2026-10-08, Whose law it is: "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988"
- CDPA 1988 s. 3A, [Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 3A](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/3A), read 2026-10-08, What the provision settles: "In this Part “database” means a collection of independent works, data or other materials which"
- CDPA 1988 s. 3A, [Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 3A](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/3A), read 2026-10-08, The rule, in its own words: "by reason of the selection or arrangement of the contents of the database the database constitutes the author’s own intellectual creation."
- CDPA 1988 s. 90(3), [Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 90](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/90), read 2026-10-08, Whose law it is: "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988"
- CDPA 1988 s. 90(3), [Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 90](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/90), read 2026-10-08, What the provision settles: "An assignment of copyright is not effective unless it is in writing signed by or on behalf of the assignor."
- CDPA 1988 s. 90(3), [Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 90](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/90), read 2026-10-08, The rule, in its own words: "An assignment of copyright is not effective unless it is in writing signed by or on behalf of the assignor."
- Copyright Office Circular 30, [Works made for hire, U.S. Copyright Office](https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ30.pdf), read 2026-10-08, Whose law it is: "To register a work with the U.S. Copyright Office"
- Copyright Office Circular 30, [Works made for hire, U.S. Copyright Office](https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ30.pdf), read 2026-10-08, What the provision settles: "A work prepared by an employee within the scope of his or her employment"
- Copyright Office Circular 30, [Works made for hire, U.S. Copyright Office](https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ30.pdf), read 2026-10-08, The rule, in its own words: "work is considered the author and copyright owner."
- Databases Regulations 1997, reg. 13, [Copyright and Rights in Databases Regulations 1997, regulation 13](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1997/3032/regulation/13), read 2026-10-08, Whose law it is: "There are currently no known outstanding effects for The Copyright and Rights in Databases Regulations 1997, Section 13."
- Databases Regulations 1997, reg. 13, [Copyright and Rights in Databases Regulations 1997, regulation 13](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1997/3032/regulation/13), read 2026-10-08, What the provision settles: "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."
- Databases Regulations 1997, reg. 13, [Copyright and Rights in Databases Regulations 1997, regulation 13](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1997/3032/regulation/13), read 2026-10-08, The rule, in its own words: "it is immaterial whether or not the database or any of its contents is a copyright work"
- Databases Regulations 1997, reg. 14, [Copyright and Rights in Databases Regulations 1997, regulation 14](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1997/3032/regulation/14), read 2026-10-27, Whose law it is: "There are currently no known outstanding effects for The Copyright and Rights in Databases Regulations 1997, Section 14."
- Databases Regulations 1997, reg. 14, [Copyright and Rights in Databases Regulations 1997, regulation 14](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1997/3032/regulation/14), read 2026-10-27, What the provision settles: "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."
- Databases Regulations 1997, reg. 14, [Copyright and Rights in Databases Regulations 1997, regulation 14](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1997/3032/regulation/14), read 2026-10-27, The rule, in its own words: "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"
- Databases Regulations 1997, reg. 17, [Copyright and Rights in Databases Regulations 1997, regulation 17](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1997/3032/regulation/17), read 2026-10-27, Whose law it is: "There are currently no known outstanding effects for The Copyright and Rights in Databases Regulations 1997, Section 17."
- Databases Regulations 1997, reg. 17, [Copyright and Rights in Databases Regulations 1997, regulation 17](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1997/3032/regulation/17), read 2026-10-27, What the provision settles: "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."
- Databases Regulations 1997, reg. 17, [Copyright and Rights in Databases Regulations 1997, regulation 17](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1997/3032/regulation/17), read 2026-10-27, The rule, in its own words: "Database right in a database expires at the end of the period of fifteen years"
- Feist v. Rural (1991), [Feist Publications v. Rural Telephone Service, 499 U.S. 340](https://www.law.cornell.edu/supremecourt/text/499/340), read 2026-10-27, Whose law it is: "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)."
- Feist v. Rural (1991), [Feist Publications v. Rural Telephone Service, 499 U.S. 340](https://www.law.cornell.edu/supremecourt/text/499/340), read 2026-10-27, What the provision settles: "The first is that facts are not copyrightable; the other, that compilations of facts generally are."
- Feist v. Rural (1991), [Feist Publications v. Rural Telephone Service, 499 U.S. 340](https://www.law.cornell.edu/supremecourt/text/499/340), read 2026-10-27, The rule, in its own words: "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"
- GOV.UK, sui generis database rights, [Sui generis database rights, GOV.UK guidance](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/sui-generis-database-rights), read 2026-10-08, Whose law it is: "Sui generis database rights in the UK"
- GOV.UK, sui generis database rights, [Sui generis database rights, GOV.UK guidance](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/sui-generis-database-rights), read 2026-10-08, What the provision settles: "Database rights protect the contents of a database. A database does not have to be original for it to qualify for database rights"
- GOV.UK, sui generis database rights, [Sui generis database rights, GOV.UK guidance](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/sui-generis-database-rights), read 2026-10-08, The rule, in its own words: "UK databases created before 1 January 2021 will continue to be protected in the EU and vice-versa."
- Trade Secrets Regulations 2018, reg. 2, [Trade Secrets (Enforcement, etc.) Regulations 2018, regulation 2](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2018/597/regulation/2), read 2026-10-27, Whose law it is: "There are currently no known outstanding effects for The Trade Secrets (Enforcement, etc.) Regulations 2018, Section 2."
- Trade Secrets Regulations 2018, reg. 2, [Trade Secrets (Enforcement, etc.) Regulations 2018, regulation 2](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2018/597/regulation/2), read 2026-10-27, What the provision settles: "has been subject to reasonable steps under the circumstances, by the person lawfully in control of the information, to keep it secret"
- Trade Secrets Regulations 2018, reg. 2, [Trade Secrets (Enforcement, etc.) Regulations 2018, regulation 2](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2018/597/regulation/2), read 2026-10-27, The rule, in its own words: "has commercial value because it is secret, and"

## 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.

## Sources

- [U.S. Copyright Office Circular 30: works made for hire](https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ30.pdf) (read)
- [17 U.S.C. 201: ownership of copyright (works made for hire)](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/201) (read)
- [17 U.S.C. 204: execution of transfers of copyright ownership](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/204) (read)
- [18 U.S.C. 1839: definitions, 'trade secret'](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1839) (read)
- [18 U.S.C. 1836: civil proceedings for trade secret misappropriation](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1836) (read)
- [Feist Publications v. Rural Telephone Service, 499 U.S. 340 (1991)](https://www.law.cornell.edu/supremecourt/text/499/340) (read)
- [CDPA 1988 s. 11: first ownership of copyright](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/11) (read)
- [CDPA 1988 s. 3A: databases](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/3A) (read)
- [CDPA 1988 s. 90: assignment and licences](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/90) (read)
- [CDPA 1988 s. 29A: copies for text and data analysis for non-commercial research](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/29A) (read)
- [Copyright and Rights in Databases Regulations 1997 reg 13: database right](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1997/3032/regulation/13) (read)
- [Copyright and Rights in Databases Regulations 1997 reg 14: the maker of a database](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1997/3032/regulation/14) (read)
- [Copyright and Rights in Databases Regulations 1997 reg 17: duration of database right](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1997/3032/regulation/17) (read)
- [Trade Secrets (Enforcement, etc.) Regulations 2018 reg 2: definitions](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2018/597/regulation/2) (read)
- [GOV.UK: sui generis database rights](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/sui-generis-database-rights) (read)

## Cite or 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.
- 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).

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