How is the Intellectual Property of the PODS Pipeline Data Model protected?

The PODS Pipeline Data Model is copyright protected. Section 106 of the 1976 Copyright Act provides the Copyright Owner (The PODS Association, Inc.) the exclusive right to establish the terms under which others may use the PODS Pipeline Data Model.

What uses of PODS are covered?

Any uses of the PODS Pipeline Data Model fall within the jurisdiction of this copyright protection. Uses may include creating or accessing a PODS database, creating software to view or interact with data contained within a PODS database, creating any derivative work, procedure, documentation, graphical interface, computer program, engineering analysis, translation into another language, or other work which utilizes or interacts with a PODS database.

Who is authorized to use PODS?

Unrestricted use of current and past releases of PODS for pipeline assets owned by the member company is granted to current PODS member companies and their subsidiaries. To use new releases of PODS, such as new tables, and to receive updates to documentation, companies must maintain a current PODS Association membership.

Why does PODS use Membership instead of Licensing?

Licensing of the data model would be very expensive. We believe the best use of our resources is supporting collaborative efforts to improve and refine the PODS Pipeline Data Model and its documentation and educating the pipeline industry on the benefits of using PODS as an integral part of their pipeline data management systems.

Membership in the PODS Association also provides your employees benefits beyond a software license, including access to a global network of pipeline data management professionals.

Can we use PODS on a trial basis?

Yes, under certain circumstances. The PODS Executive Director may authorize a Pipeline Operator to conduct a 60-day trial use of PODS under specific criteria. This trial period does not include all the benefits of PODS membership, such as access to online resources, but does authorize the Pipeline Operator to evaluate the PODS model as part of a pipeline data management solution.

Interested Pipeline Operating companies may submit a PODS-trial request to info@pods.org. The request must include a description of the planned trial implementation, a statement that the company will either join the PODS Association or discontinue all use of the PODS model after the 60-day trial period and be signed by a duly authorized company representative familiar with Intellectual Property issues.

Can I provide PODS to another company?

No, member companies are not authorized to distribute PODS to any other company or individual or provide PODS in any other format, such as a hosted database, to another company. Each company must maintain its membership in the Association to be authorized to use PODS as defined in Question 2.

Can I provide PODS to a subsidiary?

Yes, only the highest corporate entity needs to join PODS for all other divisions or subsidiaries to use PODS. Unrestricted use of current and past releases of PODS for pipeline assets owned by the member company is granted to current PODS member companies and their subsidiaries.

How can I check our company’s PODS membership status?

PODS maintains a list of current members on the PODS website. If your company name is not listed, your company is either not a current member, or requested their name not be listed on the PODS website. Contact Kathy Mayo for more information.

What are the benefits of PODS Association membership? 

Membership in PODS Association gives you legal access to the proven PODS Data Model and all resource centers and the ability to support the development of standard data management practices in the pipeline industry worldwide by ensuring your direct involvement in the transformation and maintenance of the PODS Data Model.

PODS Association’s international members collaborate in a dynamic environment where they share knowledge and continually improve upon the PODS Data Model and the pipeline community. Participation in PODS committees, forums, conferences, reviews, and other communication shapes the future direction of the PODS Data Model and ensures that your company’s business needs are represented, considered, and addressed.

What access do I have to what goes on within the Association as a member?

The leadership of the PODS Association strives to keep members well informed and keep communication channels open. In addition to providing monthly newsletters and up-to-date information on the PODS website, the Association also periodically conducts webinars, posts meeting minutes, provides Association meeting schedules, sends announcements and notifications, and publishes all PODS Board member email addresses. 

At the annual PODS User Conference, we also provide an update from the PODS President, an update from the PODS Technical Committee, and conduct our annual business meeting with members in attendance.

Terms of Use

The PODS Pipeline Data Model is the exclusive intellectual property of the PODS Association, Inc. The Association holds this intellectual property’s sole right, title, and interest, including copyright. To legally use the PODS Data Model, its implementations, documentation, and data exchange standards, your company must be a member of the PODS Association.

The PODS Association’s website contains both public and PODS-member-only content. The PODS Association makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the website’s completeness, accuracy, reliability, or suitability or the information, services, or related graphics contained within the website. Any reliance placed on such content, documentation, links, information, services, procedures, or related graphics is strictly at your own risk.

In no event will the PODS Association, its Board of Directors, Committee Members, Executive Director, members, member companies, contractors, or any agents duly authorized to represent the PODS Association, be liable for any loss or damages, including without limitation indirect or consequential damages, arising out of or in connection with the use of this website.