Point2 is moving forward with the initiative it started at the end of 2012, referred to as Contract Alignment. Point2 is working with Brian Larson of Larson/Sobotka, PLLC, attorneys at law, clarifying all aspects of its data contracts with both MLSs and destination sites. This project is the common sense next step in listing data distribution.

The key tool for this program is Point2's Listing Rights Management Solution which was built and deployed for the Canadian Real Estate Association in 2012. Point2's Listing Rights Management Solution has been adapted for the US, to be rolled out in Q2 of 2013. The MLSs establish the terms of use for the distribution of their data. Stay tuned for more information on this.

Contract Alignment:

• Is the process of further defining the roles of the participants in the licensing and distribution of MLS listing data.
    
• Defines the terms and conditions of use from the MLS source to entity receiving the listing data.
    
• Insures the data rights Point2 receives under the contract with the MLS, matches the data rights received by the portals and vendors that request that data from Point2. 
    
• Creates a mechanism for destinations to acquire more rights, with the informed consent of brokers and MLSs, leading to opportunities for data providers to monetize MLS data.
    
• Helps MLSs and associations (data providers) extract value or compensation for the value the data bring to the destination entities. This is a major objective of Contract Alignment. 

As the value of listing data becomes more apparent, the industry will be in a position to participate in the value created by the data, for the benefit of all. This is the purpose of Point2's Contract Alignment Program.