Compatibility of Business Models of Estonian Language Technology Entrepreneurs with Regulatory Framework on the Use of Digital Content

Abstract

Language technology provides several possibilities to commercialise collected language resources (data) in the form of providing access to databases, dictionaries, translation, text analysis and localisation services, storage of documents and personal language data, software, and other types of digital content. This article focuses on the contractual relationships in selling language technology products and providing services to the customers, and explores the entrepreneurial perspective on the supply of digital content to compare its compatibility with the existing regulatory framework. For comparison, the authors have chosen Estonian companies specialising in language technology. The main conclusions concerning the entrepreneurial perspective are based on a study of homepages and personal interviews. The compatibility between the business model and the regulatory framework is analysed based on the case study and Estonian legislation. The authors aim to outline how language technology entrepreneurs in Estonia themselves conceptualise the digital content they are commercialising, the nature of their business models, and entrepreneurial practice (business model). The authors take into account the applicable regulatory framework (protection of intellectual property, contract law, proprietary relations), and also analyse the contracting method, contractual remedies, and need for an objective neutrality in legal regulation.