The architect drew plans for buildings on a development completion of which was taken over by the council. The architect claimed breach of copyright in his plans. The expression of design ideas in an architectural drawing was capable of protection by copyright. An architect might see the plans drawn by another, absorb some of the ideas, and then re-express the ideas in his own way. He may not copy them. The line between them is a fine one. Was the new design a copy of the style or idea or of the expression of the style or idea. One is acceptable, the other is not. The degree of similarity, and method of preparation of the second article were important.
Citations:
Gazette 26-Oct-2000, Times 14-Nov-2000
Statutes:
Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988
Intellectual Property, Construction
Updated: 09 April 2022; Ref: scu.82614
