Are database structures and their contents protected by copyright law?
Answer Yes. The “Copyright and Rights in Databases Regulations 1997” (SI 3032) came into place on 1 January 1998, which introduced a ‘Database Right’ and copyright for databases. A database is defined as: “a collection of independent works, data or other materials which (a) are arranged in a systematic or methodical way, or (b) are individually accessible by electronic or other means.” To gain copyright, a database must show sufficient intellectual creativity or selection in its creation. Each individual item included in the database may or may not be in copyright. Irrespective of whether the database is entitled to full copyright protection then it is given a Database Right. This lasts for 15 years but can last in perpetuity as the 15 year period of protection rolls forward if changes and updates or other sufficient investments are made to it in this period.
