Start with an inventory
List the systems that hold records, the time period, data formats, available context, and export constraints. Avoid sending raw records during an introductory inquiry. High-level metadata is usually enough to begin scoping.
Separate control from ownership
Access to company systems does not establish the right to license everything inside them. Customer material, employee information, third-party documents, and regulated records may need different treatment. Seek advice specific to your contracts and jurisdiction.
Assess the preparation work
Understand extraction, deduplication, context preservation, redaction, quality review, and secure delivery. Removing obvious names does not prove that records cannot be linked back to a person or organization.
Do not infer a price from size alone
A useful valuation needs buyer demand, uniqueness, rights, quality, preparation costs, and proposed commercial terms. Employee count, software tools, or stored gigabytes cannot establish an offer.
Compare the actual agreement
Review permitted uses, exclusivity, recipients, retention, audit provisions, payment triggers, and termination with appropriate advisers. A readiness questionnaire is not a license and does not authorize data sharing.
This is general research guidance, not legal, financial, or procurement advice. Obtain advice appropriate to your project.
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