[Copyright] Architectural Drawings. Etc.

[Cumbow, Bob]

If no work-for-hire agreement was operative, then the team project was likely a work of joint authorship, which means that everyone who contributed copyrightable subject matter to the finished product is a full owner of the copyright in the finished work, and free to exploit the work without the permission of the other joint authors, but must share equally with the other joint owners any compensation received from exploitation of the work. This can quickly become a complicated mess, which is why people who set out to create a work “as a team” should have a clear written agreement about copyright before pen is ever set to paper.


Bob
 Cumbow
Partner
Miller Nash LLP

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From: cmlaw at jps.net <cmlaw at jps.net>
Sent: Thursday, April 18, 2024 1:11 PM
To: Cumbow, Bob <Robert.Cumbow at millernash.com>; 'For copyright practitioners. This is not for laypersons to seek legal advice.' <copyright at oppedahl-lists.com>
Subject: RE: [Copyright] Architectural Drawings. Etc.


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My understanding of copyright law, “work for hire” does not apply to architectural drawings unless it was within scope of employment.  Team was comprised only of independent contractors and there was no employment relationship or other agreement among them, including as to ownership.  Joint owners are entitled to pro rata share of benefits derived by any owner.

Craig

From: Cumbow, Bob <Robert.Cumbow at millernash.com<mailto:Robert.Cumbow at millernash.com>>
Sent: Thursday, April 18, 2024 12:57 PM
To: For copyright practitioners. This is not for laypersons to seek legal advice. <copyright at oppedahl-lists.com<mailto:copyright at oppedahl-lists.com>>
Cc: cmlaw at jps.net<mailto:cmlaw at jps.net>
Subject: RE: [Copyright] Architectural Drawings. Etc.

One important question: When P created work as part of the team, was there a work-for-hire agreement, or an employment agreement containing a work-for-hire provision? If so, P does not own copyright in her contributions; but if not, P owns copyright, though she may be in a joint authorship situation with one or more other members of the team.

Bob
 Cumbow
Partner
Miller Nash LLP
605 5th Ave S, Ste 900 | Seattle, WA 98104
Direct: 206.777.7468
 |
Cell: 425.443.0990
 |
Office: 206.624.8300
Email<mailto:Robert.Cumbow at millernash.com>
 |
Bio<https://www.millernash.com/professionals/robert-c-cumbow>
 |
Insights<https://www.millernash.com/firm-news>
 |
Website<https://www.millernash.com>

Our attorneys regularly offer insights to address the challenges faced by our clients. To visit the Miller Nash industry-focused blog overview page on our updated website: please click this link<https://www.millernash.com/firm-news>.
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From: Copyright <copyright-bounces at oppedahl-lists.com<mailto:copyright-bounces at oppedahl-lists.com>> On Behalf Of Craig McLaughlin via Copyright
Sent: Thursday, April 18, 2024 12:51 PM
To: 'for copyright practitioners' <copyright at oppedahl-lists.com<mailto:copyright at oppedahl-lists.com>>
Cc: cmlaw at jps.net<mailto:cmlaw at jps.net>
Subject: [Copyright] Architectural Drawings. Etc.


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________________________________
Trying to figure out what a joint author (P) of architectural drawings can do to protect her rights.  Assume P is part of a team who supplied a proposal including architectural drawings for a new building, of which P contributed.  The team won the competition, but then several months ago P was cut out as to prize money and, of course, the much larger fees going forward to complete the project.  Registration has not been applied for or determined (a prerequisite to file an infringement claim) and such registration I understand takes 6-7 months these days after application, with more speed (not sure how much quicker?) for an $800 special processing fee.  It seems that statutory damages and fees are unavailable under copyright law (, but what of the use of the drawings going forward toward the completion of the building where construction has not yet commenced?  Can actionable infringements going forward be expected?   Theories appreciated.

Craig McLaughlin
Seal Beach, CA
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