Understanding the scope of the Government’s licensing rights in two categories of valuable intellectual property —technical data and computer software — delivered under government contracts, or technology developed under technology transfer and other types of agreements is often confusing for both contracting officers and program managers.

General guidance on data rights, particularly as they relate to computer software, and intellectual property (copyrights, patents, trademarks, and the Digital Millennium Copyright Act) and technology transfer is available as a resource for DISA staff in the program planning and acquisition of technology.

For information purposes, we provide references to relevant statutory and regulatory authorities, DoD Instructions and policy directives, and links to useful web sites and other resources.

The information provided on the Data Rights/Intellectual Property pages are for informational purposes only, and should not be construed or used as legal advice on any matter. Data rights and intellectual property issues are complex and fact-specific. Therefore, if you have a specific legal question, consult DISA's Office of the General Counsel by email for advice.