Database Regulations – Help! Somebody has stolen my client list

Companies can invest significant sums in the creation and maintenance of their client lists. Unsurprising, their client lists are often closely guarded. But what if protections fail? Under the Copyright and Rights in Databases Regulations 1997, firms can bring actions against those that access and download their client list (for instance, a former employee). The wronged party can demand the return or destruction of the confidential information, an injunction to prevent its use and damages for any losses.

In this alerter, George Mallet examines how the Database Regulations can be used to bring claims against former employees (and other individuals) who access a firms computer systems to download content after their employment ends.