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Dataset/Software Ownership in BSC Dataverse: What you need to know

When you create software or a dataset as part of your work at BSC, it is important to differentiate between the author and owner:

  • As the creator of the work, you are the Author: As the person who created the work, you are always recognized as the author of your creation (IP). This is a moral right that cannot be transferred or removed, you will always be acknowledged as the creator of the work.

  • BSC is the Owner: If the work (e.g. software, datasets) was created as part of your work at BSC— whether it was developed via a funded project, a deliverable, or internal research— BSC is the owner and holds the rights to use, publish, distribute, or license the work (IPR)*.

Therefore, even if you leave BSC, the dataset or software you created remains the property of BSC. Ownership does not transfer to your new institution.

Figure 1: Schema explaining the difference between author (IP) and owner (IPR). Source: BSC-CNS Legal team.

What should you do if you're leaving BSC?

To ensure continuity and proper management of the resource:

  • Assign a new point of contact for the dataset or software within BSC.
  • This could be another team member or your group leader.
  • The dataset/software must remain under the control of BSC, since the institution is the legal owner.

This process ensures the long-term sustainability of research outputs.





*Article 35 of the Spanish Science, Technology, and Innovation Law.