Legal Definitions - database

A database is a structured collection of information that is organized and stored in a systematic way to make it easy to access and retrieve specific pieces of data. While many people associate databases with computers, the fundamental concept applies to any organized compilation of information, whether digital or physical.

In a legal context, particularly regarding intellectual property, a database itself may not automatically be protected by U.S. copyright law. Protection typically applies only if the information contained within the database is original, or if the specific way the information is structured, selected, or arranged demonstrates sufficient creativity to qualify as an original work of authorship.

Here are some examples to illustrate the concept of a database:

• A Library's Card Catalog (Historical Example): Before digital systems, libraries used physical card catalogs. Each card contained information about a book (title, author, subject, call number) and was systematically filed alphabetically by author, title, or subject. If you wanted to find a book by a specific author, you would go to the "author" drawer, find the author's name, and retrieve the card, which then directed you to the book's location on the shelf.

  This illustrates a database because: It's a collection of information (about books) arranged in a highly systematic way (alphabetical filing) that facilitates easy access and retrieval of specific items (finding a book's details and location).

• An Online Retailer's Product Catalog: When you browse an e-commerce website, you're interacting with a database. The website stores vast amounts of information about products, including descriptions, prices, images, customer reviews, and inventory levels. This data is organized by categories (e.g., electronics, clothing), brands, and searchable keywords, allowing you to filter, sort, and quickly find the specific items you're looking to purchase.

  This illustrates a database because: It's a digital compilation of product information, systematically structured with categories and search functions, enabling users to efficiently access and retrieve details about various products.

• A Medical Research Institution's Patient Records System: A large hospital or research facility uses sophisticated electronic databases to manage patient information. This includes medical history, diagnoses, treatment plans, test results, and demographic data. Each patient has a unique identifier, and the information is organized into various fields that can be searched, filtered, and cross-referenced by authorized medical professionals to retrieve specific details quickly and accurately for patient care or research purposes.

  This illustrates a database because: It's a comprehensive, systematically organized collection of sensitive patient data, designed for efficient storage, retrieval, and analysis by authorized personnel, demonstrating how structured information facilitates critical operations.