Over on my ArchitectLeague account a discussion was begun about who owns the copyright to an architects designs. The discussion was begin by Ammar Mousali, a builder based in Queensland, Australia, but has involved participants across all continents in the last few days.
You can read the story below or by clicking here – and if you have comments on the discussion why not add them? It would be good to share some links to relevant documents.
Copyright and IP issues for Architecture – whats your view?
International discussion on IP and Copyright Issues for Architects and their Clients, held on twitter through the @ArchitectLeague account
Storified by Su Butcher · Fri, Apr 06 2012 06:07:05
Ammar Mousali is a builder based in Queensland, Australia.
@ArchitectLeague an architect asked to get paid to work on a design that he would own the copyright to when complete. is it common practice?ammar mousali
Here’s his website:
Rainbow Builders Pty LtdWelcome To Rainbow Builders Pty Ltd. Rainbow Builders is a proud family owned and operated Queensland company. We have been operating aro…
I took a look at the ArchitectMap to see which architects were in the area and would perhaps be willing to discuss:
– @mousali have a word with @alistereden @steveRosearc they are in your area – but copyright usually resides with the designerArchitects League
In a short while construction professionals from across the world (including the UK, Belgium, US, Venezuela, Dubai and Northern Ireland) were discussing the matter.
@ArchitectLeague @mousali absolutelythink rick
@ArchitectLeague @mousali you are paying for the right to use a design not to resell it.Area Virtual 3D C.A.
@ArchitectLeague @mousali Architects own the copyright their work, they grant you a license to use it for the purpose intended.Leon Smith
@ArchitectLeague @alistereden @SteveRoseArc regardless of location. I have IP background and this doesn’t sound right to me.I was surprised.ammar mousali
Would be interested to hear from IP experts about the ownership of design copyright (discussion with @mousali @alistereden @steveroseArcArchitects League
@ArchitectLeague @mousali @alistereden My view is Design IP depends on contract terms. If silent it stays with designer for licensed use.Nick Schumann
@Areavirtual3d @ArchitectLeague that’s fair if you have the design already. But when I cometion you to make a design I should own it.ammar mousali
And the IP copyright discussion continues…Architects League
@NickSchumann @ArchitectLeague @mousali @alistereden Ditto – Always make it clear at the beginning who owns what…Caroline Robinson
@NickSchumann @architectleague @mousali @alistereden Clear in RIBA appointment docs. Client can use design for the appointed project onlyMathew Byron
@NickSchumann @ArchitectLeague @alistereden contract will make it easy to know who owns what. that’s why I refused to sign ;).ammar mousali
@ArchitectLeague Australian com law: commissioner of work owns the design & drawings not idea of the design.assuming contract silentammar mousali
@mousali @ArchitectLeague Also a side note: the architect have a moral ownership over his design.ammar mousali
@ArchitectLeague @mousali @nickschumann @alistereden @MathewByron: In Belgium the architect keeps the "intellectual" rights on his design.vincent v d broecke
. @mousali @nickschumann @alistereden @MathewByron I imagine across the globe situations are different… #ArchitectMap #IPArchitects League
Over on @ArchitectLeague we’ve been having a 3-day discussion about copyright and IP for architects and their clients…Su Butcher
@ArchitectLeague @mousali @alistereden @mathewbyron very interesting. A veritable minefield.Nick Schumann
@blancoarchitect @architectleague @mousali @alistereden @mathewbyron can the contract change that? Try working for a client like AramcoNick Schumann
@NickSchumann @architectleague: Why should the contract have to change that? For us architects, those rights aren’t a bad thing at all.vincent v d broecke
@blancoarchitect @architectleague I agree it doesn’t have to but I have had to deal with so many clients who think otherwiseNick Schumann
@NickSchumann @architectleague: Here in Belgium it’s legally organised. Even when clients thinks otherwise, the fact remains. #jobprotectionvincent v d broecke
@blancoarchitect @architectleague Belgium seems to have got it right. A lesson for elsewhere perhapsNick Schumann
@NickSchumann @blancoarchitect @mousali maybe @barkarchitects @dimondarchitect and @BJArch would discuss – they are in Queensland #IPArchitects League
Where will the discussion go next?
Find construction professionals in your part of the world:
ArchitectMapArchitectMap
By the way, this tool I’ve used is called Storify, it allows you to curate content and discussions across various social platforms, annotate them and then embed them anywhere on the web.
You can add your comments via Twitter to @ArchitectLeague, here or on the Storify page itself.
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