Databases
Part I Copyright
(1) In this Part “database” means a collection of independent works, data or other materials which—
(a)are arranged in a systematic or methodical way, and
(b)are individually accessible by electronic or other means.
(2)For the purposes of this Part a literary work consisting of a database is original if, and only if, by reason of the selection or arrangement of the contents of the database the database constitutes the author’s own intellectual creation.F7]
“electronic” means actuated by electric, magnetic, electro-mechanical energy, and “in electronic form” means in a form usable only by electronic means;
Defined in s.178 · see it in the full Act“electronic” means actuated by electric, magnetic, electro-mechanical energy, and “in electronic form” means in a form usable only by electronic means;
Defined in s.178 · see it in the full Act“literary work” means any work, other than a dramatic or musical work, which is written, spoken or sung, and accordingly includes—
Defined in s.3(1) · see it in the full Act(1) In this Part “author”, in relation to a work, means the person who creates it.
Defined in s.9(1) · see it in the full Act“author”, in relation to a design, has the meaning given by section 2(3) and (4);
Defined in Sch.4 para.38 · see it in the full Act(3) In this Act the “author” of a design means the person who creates it.
Defined in Sch.4 para.38 · see it in the full ActInterprets the statutory meaning of a database as a collection of independent works, data or materials arranged systematically or methodically and individually accessible electronically or otherwise. The Claimant’s CRM system satisfied that definition. (see paras [93], [108])
The court treated PAF as a database within section 3A, providing the statutory basis for applying copyright protection to the data used in the address database. (see para [58])
Applies the statutory definition of a database as a systematic or methodical collection of independently accessible works, data or materials. The definition was relevant to whether the client lists fell within the database-right regime. (see para [27])
4 more judgments, and what each says about section 3A, are in the case-law panel in the full Act.