Legal and Economic Implications of Farm Data: Ownership and Possible Protections

Posted: 11 Dec 2018 Last revised: 29 Sep 2020

See all articles by Ashley Ellixson

Ashley Ellixson

United Dairymen of Arizona

Terry Griffin

Kansas State University - Department of Agricultural Economics

Shannon Ferrell

Oklahoma State University - Stillwater

Paul Goeringer

University of Maryland - Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics

Date Written: October 31, 2018

Abstract

Farmers’ ability to “own” data has been debated, along with its value and consequences of misappropriation. Although no specific law or precedent addresses farm data, it may be protectable as a “trade secret” if farmers actively protect it. Questions remain if seeking protection is practical or if highest value may be realized by sharing data.

Keywords: Big Data, Farm Data, Ownership, Precision Agriculture, Trade Secret

JEL Classification: K1, D85

Suggested Citation

Ellixson, Ashley and Griffin, Terry and Ferrell, Shannon and Goeringer, Paul, Legal and Economic Implications of Farm Data: Ownership and Possible Protections (October 31, 2018). Drake Journal of Agricultural Law, Forthcoming, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3286332 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3286332

Ashley Ellixson

United Dairymen of Arizona ( email )

Terry Griffin (Contact Author)

Kansas State University - Department of Agricultural Economics ( email )

Manhatten, KS 66506-4001
United States

Shannon Ferrell

Oklahoma State University - Stillwater ( email )

Stillwater, OK 74078-0555
United States

Paul Goeringer

University of Maryland - Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics ( email )

Symmons Hall, Rm 2200
University of Maryland
College Park, MD 20742-5535
United States

HOME PAGE: http://aglaw.umd.edu

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