Title
Architecture and copyright: a quick survey of the law
Document Type
Article
Publication details
Adrian, A 2009, 'Architecture and copyright: a quick survey of the law', International Journal of Intellectual Property Management, vol. 3, no. 4, pp. 375-385.
Published version available from:
Peer Reviewed
Peer-Reviewed
Abstract
Architecture is special. A unique design contained in an architectural drawing is capable of protection by copyright. The law does not restrict the development of architectural ideas and concepts; it does, however, prevent the copying of plans. If the plan or building was a copy of the concept or style it is legitimate. If it is a copy of the author's original manifestations of that concept or style, it is an infringement. Another interesting aspect of architectural works is that they usually take the form of a professional commission which creates a range of rights for all parties involved.