Re: copyrighting of numbers

David Swarbrick <david[_at_]swarb.demon.co.uk> wrote:
>
> I am usually a bit reticent at contributing but ...
>
> I publish a 'law-index' Each entry contains a ratio for the case. That
> ratio is clearly copyrightable and mine.
>
> The database also includes many elements which 'just facts' - a
> compilation of which clearly has some additional value.
>
> I do not see why I cannot have protection for both.

Are you trying to protect the facts you compiled or your particular arrangement and selection of the facts? If the later, copyright does it if your arrangement is original, but not the facts. If your arrangement is not original and therefore not covered by copyright, perhaps you need some additional protection. However, I would hate to see addtional protection block access to the facts instead of just your particular arrangement of the facts.

As you can guess, I believe database protection is a means of removing facts from the public domain. Something to which I am highly opposed.

-- 
S. Warwick
swarwick[_at_]sprynet.com