Abstract
Licensing agreement is one of the mechanisms to secure the interest of database producers. A breach of any contractual term in the agreement will entitle a database producer to a contractual remedy. As regards to contractual protection, there are two important issues to be addressed. First, the clauses in the licensing agreement, and secondly, the issue of enforceability of certain database agreement, such as shrink wrap or click wrap license. The second issue must be resolved before a database producer is able to implement the terms and conditions provided in the database licensing agreement. This is because it determines the validity of the contract. With a valid contract, the contractual terms may be used to protect the interest of the database producers. The unconscionability of the terms in the database licensing seems to be a major issue. This issue arises due to the fact that the contractual terms are not read by licensee upon the conclusion of agreement and the inequality of bargaining power exists. Asymmetrical or unfair terms will cause unfairness to database users who will be prevented through the principle of undue influence or the common law doctrine of unconscionability. Although no clear statutory provision has provided a solution to the problem, there are two ways of dealing with it. First, the database producer must ensure that he does not use his dominant position to exercise unconscionable dealings. Secondly, it is advisable to incorporate a term providing that the buyer or user has the opportunity to reject the contract if he disagrees with the terms. To ensure the interest of the database producers the agreement should provide notice as to the database’s terms of usage. This may form the basis of a breach of contract in the event that the stipulated terms are violated. A good contractual agreement is an agreement which protects the interest of both parties; i.e., the database producers and the users. To achieve that, both parties should come to a mutual agreement on the terms in the contract. The license should incorporate necessary provisions such as restrictions on use to protect the legitimate interest of the database producer. However licensees should also be given sufficient freedom to use the database content to meet their legitimate needs and should be prohibited from using the information in ways that would diminish the value of the database producer’s investment in the database.
Highlights
Since adhesion contracts have frequently been used in database dealing, there have been questions as to the validity and enforceability of such contract
The act of acceptance by conduct, in other words, does not require actual communication of acceptance is made; it suffices if the user of database accepts the offer by performing an act which is required in the terms of the contract, for example, by unwrapping the shrink wrap license or clicking “I Agree/Accept”
It is undeniable that licensing agreements can be invoked to protect the interest of database producers
Summary
Since adhesion contracts have frequently been used in database dealing, there have been questions as to the validity and enforceability of such contract. The answers would determine whether or not these “shrink-wrap” or “click-wrap” licensing agreements would function as a shield to protect database products from exploitation. The validity of these “shrink-wrap” or “click-wrap” licenses is uncertain. The enforceability of these “shrink-wrap” or “click-wrap” licensing contracts is not absolutely clear. The position of adhesion contract in Malaysia will be discussed together with the position in the United Kingdom and other relevant commonwealth countries. (Note 7)
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