Limitations of the access to spatial data and services due to intelectual property rights. Polish perspective

The Inspire Directive introduces a conceptual framework related to spatial data infrastructure, unifying the issues related to the access to spatial data within the European Union. The Directive was implemented into Polish law in the Act of 4 March 2010 on spatial information infrastructure. Both the Directive and the Act provide for the possibility of introducing limitations to access to spatial data and services in connection if access would adversely affect, among others, intellectual property rights. The carried out study shows that most poviats subject to the study have not acquired the required scope of intellectual property which may potentially result in the access limitations.