Commercial data has similar features to IP subject matters such as intangibility, non-rivalry, non-exclusivity, and non-expendability, which underpin commercial data protection under the IP regime. By extending existing IP subjects to include commercial data, the established IP regime is capable of protecting commercial data. However, such an approach is difficult to provide adequate protection for commercial data, which has features that distinguish it from IP subject matters. This article contends a new approach is needed to commercial data protection. Compared with protecting commercial data as novel subject matter under the IP regime, this article favors establishing a sui generis property regime for commercial data, drawing on the rationale and normative design of the IP regime. Using the IP regime as a guide, specific rules regarding the content of rights, the duration of protection, and the subject matter of commercial data protection can be designed. Further, a mechanism for balancing interests can be established by introducing fair dealing exceptions and FRAND principles to the commercial data property regime.

Haodi Deng. Paradigm shift of commercial data protection: From an IP approach to a sui generis approach. Academic Journal of Humanities & Social Sciences (2024) Vol. 7, Issue 2: 279-288. https://doi.org/10.25236/AJHSS.2024.070240.

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