Extended Data Retention

There are some situations where data retention may be recommended beyond the minimal guidelines or even the contractual obligations that apply to your project. Continue to maintain project data produced in the context of any project when:

• Research data are relevant to an open allegation of misconduct or financial conflict of interest in research, or to an open case of litigation, claim, or audit that extends beyond the controlling period.
• Research data are relevant to intellectual property interests (researchers must retain data for as long as necessary to protect intellectual property interests).
• Research data are subject to specific federal, state, or local regulations that stipulate retention beyond the controlling period.