Oxford Law Trove

Following the publication of a Transparency Notice on 13 August 2026, and a Contract Award Notice on 14 August 2026, University of Keele is publishing this Contract Details Notice to announce, in accordance with its statutory obligations under Section 53 of the Procurement Act 2023, that it has awarded a contract to Oxford University Press for Oxford Law Trove.

1. Direct Award Justification

This contract has been awarded by direct award in accordance with Section 41 of the Procurement Act 2023 (Direct Award in Special Cases). The justification for direct award is set out under Schedule 5, Paragraph 5 (Single supplier - intellectual property or exclusive rights) of the Act.

2. Justification Narrative

Oxford Law Trove provides access to specific legal textbooks, journals and digital content essential for teaching, learning and research within the University's Law School.

The publisher, Oxford University Press, owns or exclusively controls the copyright, intellectual property rights, publishing rights and licence rights to the specific works contained within this database. No competitor can legally supply that exact content without permission from the Publisher. Competition is therefore absent by law, not by market preference.

Failure to renew this subscription would:

Disrupt access to materials needed for teaching and curriculum design

Impact student learning outcomes

Create significant reputational risk for the University's Law School.

3. Reasons for Direct Award

The University has determined that:

Oxford University Press holds exclusive rights to the content within Oxford Law Trove.

No reasonable alternative supplier can lawfully provide equivalent access to the same content.

Continuity of access is critical for teaching delivery.

4. Estimated Contract Value

The estimated value of the contract over the 48-month period (including potential renewals) is £228,000 (excluding VAT).

5. Known Risks

None identified. The University reserves the right to terminate or renew the subscription at its sole discretion. Any future modifications will be managed in accordance with the Act.