Hello Gary,

>I have a long standing client, whose parent organisation is in the process of implementing a complete shift to an "ALL IN ONE" SAP package. I know I will loose this client, they are not happy about it, nor am I but the organisation knows best (apparently).
>
>Anyway, the staff I deal with have now got to specify the SAP system they need. They have asked me to give them a listing of table structures, what each contains and relations between tables.
>
>If I don't do this they will have to make it up (I like the staff, but they are not IT people!). I've pointed out that table sttuctures are an integral part of system design and therefore my copyright, although the data they contain belongs to them. Am I right?
>
>One of my colleagues has suggested charge a sizeable "copyright release fee", I think this would not go down well, but since we are sure to loose them anyway....
>
>Any opinions welcome to try and clarify my mind on what to do!

First I'll say like many suggested. You should see a lawyer.

I'd say that you have the copyright to the table structures though. But that opinion is only worth the paper it's written on <g>

SAP is quite a beast. $$$$$

So if they paid for it I can't imagine that they won't pay you $. I'm sure that what you could charge them won't make a big difference overall.

Here's another thing. Those guys were probably wonder-struck by the sales pitch. Probably a lot of AAaahhh and OOOoooh during the presentation.

Now the hard truth is hitting them. They have to pay BIG $. Perhaps they did'nt evaluated some surprises and they're trying to save all the pennies they can to be able to afford that DREAM system. And you could be the one having to make sacrifices (giving them all they want).

I think that you should fight it out a bit.