27.405-1 Special works.

(a) The clause at 52.227-17, Rights in Data-Special Works, is for use in contracts (or may be made

applicable to portions thereof) that are primarily for the production or compilation of data (other

than limited rights data or restricted computer software) for the Government’s own use, or when

there is a specific need to limit distribution and use of the data or to obtain indemnity for liabilities

that may arise out of the content, performance, or disclosure of the data. Examples are contracts for-

(1) The production of audiovisual works, including motion pictures or television recordings with or

without accompanying sound, or for the preparation of motion picture scripts, musical compositions,

sound tracks, translation, adaptation, and the like;

(2) Histories of the respective agencies, departments, services, or units thereof;

(3) Surveys of Government establishments;

(4) Works pertaining to the instruction or guidance of Government officers and employees in the

discharge of their official duties;

(5) The compilation of reports, books, studies, surveys, or similar documents that do not involve

research, development, or experimental work;

(6) The collection of data containing personally identifiable information such that the disclosure

thereof would violate the right of privacy or publicity of the individual to whom the information

relates;

(7) Investigatory reports;

(8) The development, accumulation, or compilation of data (other than that resulting from research,

development, or experimental work performed by the contractor), the early release of which could

prejudice follow-on acquisition activities or agency regulatory or enforcement activities; or

(9) The development of computer software programs, where the program-

(i) May give a commercial advantage; or

(ii) Is agency mission sensitive, and release could prejudice agency mission, programs, or follow-on

acquisitions.

(b) The contract may specify the purposes and conditions (including time limitations) under which

the data may be used, released, or reproduced other than for contract performance. Contracts for

the production of audiovisual works, sound recordings, etc., may include limitations in connection

with talent releases, music licenses, and the like that are consistent with the purposes for which the

works are acquired.

(c) Paragraph (c)(1)(ii) of the clause, which enables the Government to obtain assignment of

copyright in any data first produced in the performance of the contract, may be deleted if the

contracting officer determines that such assignment is not needed to further the objectives of the

contract.

(d) Paragraph (e) of the clause, which requires the contractor to indemnify the Government against
any liability incurred as the result of any violation of trade secrets, copyrights, right of privacy or

publicity, or any libelous or other unlawful matter arising out of or contained in any production or

compilation of data that are subject to the clause, may be deleted or limited in scope where the

contracting officer determines that, because of the nature of the particular data involved, such

liability will not arise.

(e) When the audiovisual or other special works are produced to accomplish a public purpose other

than acquisition for the Government’s own use (such as for production and distribution to the public

of the works by other than a Federal agency) agencies are authorized to modify the clause for use in

contracts, with rights in data provisions that meet agency mission needs yet protect free speech and

freedom of expression, as well as the artistic license of the creator of the work.

Parent topic: 27.405 Other data rights provisions.