Title: Architecture and copyright: a quick survey of the law

Authors: Angela Adrian

Addresses: Bournemouth University, UK

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.

Keywords: copyright protection; architecture; architectural drawing; architectural designs; copyright infringement; joint authorship; moral rights; public defence; plans; intellectual property rights; IPR.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIPM.2009.026913

International Journal of Intellectual Property Management, 2009 Vol.3 No.4, pp.375 - 385

Published online: 08 Jul 2009 *

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