Low RiskDFARSIP / Data Rights

252.227-7020Rights in special works.

Researched by the BidStride Research Team

What This Clause Requires

DFARS 252.227-7020 — Rights in special works.. This clause is part of the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement and applies specifically to Department of Defense contracts.

Official Regulation Text

252.227-7020 Rights in special works. As prescribed in 227.7105-3, 227.7106(a) or 227.7205(a), use the following clause: Rights in Special Works (JUN 1995) (a) Applicability. This clause applies to works first created, generated, or produced and required to be delivered under this contract. (b) Definitions. As used in this clause: (1) “Computer data base” means a collection of data recorded in a form capable of being processed by a computer. The term does not include computer software. (2) “Computer program” means a set of instructions, rules, or routines recorded in a form that is capable of causing a computer to perform a specific operation or series of operations. (3) “Computer software” means computer programs, source code, source code listings, object code listings, design details, algorithms, processes, flow charts, formulae and related material that would enable the software to be reproduced, recreated, or recompiled. Computer software does not include computer data bases or computer software documentation. (4) “Computer software documentation” means owner's manuals, user's manuals, installation instructions, operating instructions, and other similar items, regardless of storage medium, that explain the capabilities of the computer software or provide instructions for using the software. (5) “Unlimited rights” means the rights to use, modify, reproduce, perform, display, release, or disclose a work in whole or in part, in any manner, and for any purpose whatsoever, and to have or authorize others to do so. (6) The term “works” includes computer data bases, computer software, or computer software documentation; literary, musical, choreographic, or dramatic compositions; pantomimes; pictorial, graphic, or sculptural compositions; motion pictures and other audiovisual compositions; sound recordings in any medium; or, items of similar nature. (c) License rights. (1) The Government shall have unlimited rights in works first produced, created, or generated and requ

Source: eCFR, 48 CFR 252.227-7020 (https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-48/section-252.227-7020)

Compliance Checklist

  • This clause applies to works first created, generated, or produced and required to be delivered under this contract.
  • (1) The Government shall have unlimited rights in works first produced, created, or generated and required to be delivered under this contract.
  • (2) When a work is first produced, created, or generated under this contract, and such work is required to be delivered under this contract, the Contractor shall assign copyright in those works to the Government.
  • The Contractor, unless directed to the contrary by the Contracting Officer, shall place the following notice on such works: “ © ( Year date of delivery ) United States Government, as represented by the Secretary of ( department ).
  • All rights reserved.” For phonorecords, the “ © ” markings shall be replaced by a “P”.
  • The Contractor shall not incorporate, without the written approval of the Contracting Officer, any copyrighted works in the works to be delivered under this contract unless the Contractor is the copyright owner or has obtained for the Government the license rights necessary to perfect a license of the scope identified in paragraph (c)(3) of this clause and, prior to delivery of such works— (1) Has affixed to the transmittal document a statement of the license rights obtained; or (2) For computer software, has provided a statement of the license rights obtained in a form acceptable to the Contracting Officer.
  • The Contractor shall indemnify and save and hold harmless the Government, and its officers, agents and employees acting for the Government, against any liability, including costs and expenses, (1) for violation of proprietary rights, copyrights, or rights of privacy or publicity, arising out of the creation, delivery, use, modification, reproduction, release, performance, display, or disclosure of any works furnished under this contract, or (2) based upon any libelous or other unlawful matter contained in such works.

Flow-Down to Subcontractors

No flow-down required

This clause applies only to the prime contract and does not need to be flowed down to subcontractors.

Frequently Asked Questions

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This summary is for informational purposes only and reflects the BidStride Research Team's plain-English interpretation of the regulation. It is not legal advice and does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. Always consult the official Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) or Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) text and qualified legal counsel for compliance decisions.