Quick Answer: Are CAD files intellectual property?

Just like old-school blueprints, CAD files are copyrighted instruments of service. … Industry best practice suggests that any terms of engagement should make clear whether the design professional retains his intellectual property, and that this includes CAD files.

Who owns a CAD file?

5. RE:Who owns CAD files? The answer is simple – Architect owns the CAD files – a circumstance that can not be changed by provisions in a client’s lease contract with its landlord. Under the copyright statute, the author owns the copyright automatically – simply by virtue of the fact that he or she is the author.

Do architects share their CAD files?

Unfortunately, the architect is under no obligation to give you the CAD files unless you specifically agreed to that in your design agreement. In the standard AIA agreement, the architect retains ownership of the copyright in the plans, and you purchase the right to use the plans once in the building of your house.

Are CAD files instruments of service?

All information on the CAD Files is considered instruments of service of the Owner and its Consultants, and shall not be used for other projects, for additions to this project, or completion of this project by others.

Can you share CAD files?

AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT also come with a cloud service called Autodesk 360, so you can share the file within the program itself. It works like Office 360 or Google Docs – you can invite collaborators or clients via email; whoever is invited can view or edit the DWG file from their web browser or mobile device.

Do architects own their drawings?

Some building components may be patented, but the overall design cannot be. Thus, while architects and engineers may own their original models, drawings, and specifications, they do not own their designs. Copyrights belong to the author of the work, except works “for hire,” created as part of the author’s employment.

Can I sell my house blueprints?

Architects and Non-Architects Can Own and Sell House Plans Online. … Yet the fact that the house plan must be designed by an architect does not preclude a non-architect from buying ownership and copyrights of a house plan.

Do architect drawings expire?

If you worked with an architect to build your home plans for the lot in which you want to build on, then these will typically not expire. However, there are some caveats to this. … Depending on the amount of time that has passed from when your home was designed, city or county code may have changed.

What are CAD files in construction?

CAD, or Computer Aided Design, is software used by engineers, architects, designers or construction manager to create designs. These designs are precise drawings or illustrations of new buildings or plans and can be either two-dimensional or three-dimensional.

What is an instrument of service?

Any expression, whether tangible or intangible, of creative work performed by a design professional for a project, such as: Models. Sketches and drawings. Specifications.

How do I send CAD files with Xrefs?

To Bind an Xref to the Current Drawing

1. Click Insert tab Reference panel Dialog box launcher. Find.
2. In the External References palette, select the reference name that you want to bind.
3. Right-click, and click Bind.
4. In the Bind Xrefs dialog box, select one of the following options: …
5. Click OK to close each dialog box.

How do I share AutoCAD DWG files?

Share Design Views with the A360 Viewer

1. Open a drawing file. …
2. Click A360 tab Share panel Share Design View. …
3. Choose whether you want to open your web browser immediately, or to be notified when the upload is complete.
4. Forward, copy, or post the link in the email notification that you receive.