Discusses the 1976 copyright law with respect to its impact on videotex technology and addresses the problems of copyright for collections of data, exclusive rights of copyright holders, notice and deposit, and regulation. Three related court decisions are also examined. (Author/JJD)

Discusses technological developments in information distribution and management in relation to concepts of ownership. A historical overview of the concept of copyright is presented; licensing elements for databases are examined; and implications for gateway systems are explored, including ownership, identification of users, and allowable uses of…