LegaLine POV: Copyright to design

Do you know that when you design a building, you automatically own the copyright to not only your drawings and plans, but you also have a copyright to the design as well?

When you design a building, the copyright belongs to the person or persons who created the plans or design. Some project owners may expect that the copyright transfers to them once they pay for your services or that it is theirs as soon as you create it. This is not automatically the case and is something that you can use as a tool during your contract negotiations.

In your contract, you can choose either to transfer the copyright to the owner once you are paid in full for your services or you can choose to give the owner a limited license to use your instruments of service. Deciding how much to give to the owner and in what manner when it comes to an interest in your works is something with which your attorney can help along with ensuring that your rights as the author are protected.

LegaLine can provide you with further information on this topic, help you identify key issues, and where necessary, alert you to specific matters that will require further the professional experience of attorneys, accountants, and brokers. LegaLine is a member service that gives AIA members access to legal professionals who can help you manage risks and minimize claims, whether you’re dealing with clients, contractors, employees, or others.

Learn more about what LegaLine service can do for you and your architecture firm