Who owns contributed data unless otherwise agreed upon?

The correct answer is the contributor. In the context of contributed data, the individual or entity that provides the data retains ownership rights unless there is a specific agreement that states otherwise. This principle is fundamental in data sharing and licensing practices, emphasizing that ownership is typically linked to the creator or generator of the data.

When contributors supply data, they often maintain intellectual property rights over that data. This means that unless the contributor explicitly grants those rights away through a contract or agreement, they continue to hold ownership, which gives them control over how the data is used, distributed, or modified.

Understanding this concept is crucial for professionals in financial and data management fields, as it affects how data can be utilized and the legal implications of using contributed data. The other options—distributor, exchange, and vendor—may play significant roles in the data ecosystem but do not inherently own contributed data unless ownership is transferred through an agreement.