Uniform Computer Information Transactions Act Law and Legal Definition
The Uniform Computer Information Transactions Act (UCITA) is a proposed state contract law developed to regulate transactions in computer information products such as computer software, online databases, software access contracts or e-books. It is intended to bring the same uniformity and certainty to the rules that apply to information technology transactions that the Uniform Commercial Code does for the sale of goods. UCITA puts information age industries on a par with the sellers of goods by codifying the legal rules applicable to contracts for their products.
The UCITA has been extremely controversial and has been opposed by a number of consumer groups and the Attorneys General of many states. The critics oppose it as anti-consumer and pro-business, and claim that its protections mostly protect the software industry. In response, the NCCUSL amended UCITA 38 times; adding such consumer protections to permit public criticism of the performance of the computer information and making it clear that a buyer must have the opportunity to review the terms of an agreement in order for the terms to be enforceable.
While UCITA was originally submitted in 1999 as a proposed Uniform Act and modification to the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) by the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws (NCCUSL) and the American Law Institute (ALI), it was withdrawn in 2002 after the ALI did not grant its assent. As of 2004, UCITA has only been passed in Virginia and Maryland. The efforts made to pass the law in other states have been defeated.
Legal Definition list
- Uniform Comparative Fault Act
- Uniform Common Trust Fund Act
- Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act
- Uniform Commercial Code
- Uniform Collateral Consequences of Conviction Act
- Uniform Computer Information Transactions Act
- Uniform Conservation Easement Act
- Uniform Construction Lien Act
- Uniform Consumer Credit Code
- Uniform Consumer Leases
- Uniform Controlled Substances Act
