Database rights
Are you the creator or compiler of a database? Database rights protect the data in the database to ensure that certain data cannot be retrieved or reused. This intellectual property right automatically lies with the creator of the database.
What is a database?
A database is a collection of data. The data is organised according to a specific system or method. The components of a database can be viewed and retrieved separately.
A database can consist of paper data or electronic data, or a combination of the two.
What can you do with database rights?
As the creator of a database, you can use database rights to prohibit others from retrieving or reusing a large portion of the data. You do not need to apply for this and the protection is free of charge.
Conditions for protection by database rights
The database right protects the data in the database. One of the conditions is that you have invested significantly in the composition, maintenance, or presentation of the database. The database is protected for up to 15 years after its creation. If the database changes significantly (in either quality or quantity), the 15-year period starts over.
You can protect the structure of a database under copyright. The condition is that the database structure is sufficiently original and creative.