Issues on Database Copyright Criteria and their Solutions

The learning, research, entertainment, business and management activities in the ubiquitous environment require continuous access to information resources. The pervasive computing technologies have been acting as technical drivers to access those information resources, which are available in both open and free cyberspace and other commercial databases as well. Feasible criteria for database copyright protection will be playing an essential role for the development of ubiquitous society. This article discusses a misuse of copyright criteria by the World Intellectual Property Organization Copyright Treaty (WCT), which has tremendous impact on current international legislation for database protection, access, and industries. In addition, the author suggests international legislation adopt the "Selection and Arrangement" criterion instead "Selection or Arrangement" for copyright protection of databases.