Low RiskDFARSIP / Data Rights

252.227-7021Rights in data—existing works.

Researched by the BidStride Research Team

What This Clause Requires

DFARS 252.227-7021 — Rights in data—existing works.. This clause is part of the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement and applies specifically to Department of Defense contracts.

Official Regulation Text

252.227-7021 Rights in data—existing works. As prescribed at 227.7105-2(a), use the following clause: Rights in Data—Existing Works (MAR 1979) (a) The term works as used herein includes literary, musical, and dramatic works; pantomimes and choreographic works; pictorial, graphic and sculptural works; motion pictures and other audiovisual works; sound recordings; and works of a similar nature. The term does not include financial reports, cost analyses, and other information incidental to contract administration. (b) Except as otherwise provided in this contract, the Contractor hereby grants to the Government a nonexclusive, paid-up license throughout the world (1) to distribute, perform publicly, and display publicly the works called for under this contract and (2) to authorize others to do so for Government purposes. (c) 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, or use, of any works furnished under this contract, or (2) based upon any libelous or other unlawful matter contained in same works. (End of clause) [56 FR 36479, July 31, 1991, as amended at 60 FR 33504, June 28, 1994]

Source: eCFR, 48 CFR 252.227-7021 (https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-48/section-252.227-7021)

Compliance Checklist

  • (c) 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, or use, of any works furnished under this contract, or (2) based upon any libelous or other unlawful matter contained in same 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.