Data; intellectual property

Data; intellectual property

An expanded and inclusive definition of data is found in the Delaware computer crime law:

"Data" is information, knowledge, facts, concepts or instructions or a representation thereof which is intended to be processed, is being processed, or has been processed in a computer or computer system. Data may be in any form including, but not limited to, computer printouts, microfilm, microfiche, magnetic storage media or punched cards, or it may be stored internally in the memory of a computer."FN37

California's definition of data is typical. Data means a representation of information, knowledge, facts, concepts, or instructions, which are being prepared or have been prepared, in a formalized manner, and are intended for use in a computer system or computer network.FN38

Private personal data is defined as "data concerning a natural person which a reasonable person would want to keep private and which is protectable under the law."FN39 This definition is more than an attempt to define terms; it includes a standard that is significant in determining the types of personal data protected by Connecticut's law.

A computer program in source code form is an intangible intellectual property.FN40