In the construction industry, the question of who owns the copyrights to construction plans is a critical aspect that often requires careful consideration.

In most cases when you start the design process, regardless of how much you’ve paid, the design is owned by the company you have engaged.

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Clients commissioning custom homes often assume they naturally own the copyright, yet this assumption can often be challenged, especially if the contractual terms dictate otherwise.

If you find yourself in the situation where you don’t own the copyright and you show your plans to another architect or designer, then you could be opening yourself up to copyright infringement.

There is a common misconception that if the plan is altered by 20% or more, that this can be avoided. However, this is simply not true.

Copyright covers and includes all the ideas contained within a design rather than the overall design itself.

In many instances a design plan is developed for a client and provided as part of the preliminary process by the builder, and the client then takes that plan to another builder looking for a lower price. 

This practice is Illegal and can result is legal action for damages as well as your construction being haulted!

Ambition Custom Homes will establishing open communication about copyright ownership at the project’s inception, preventing potential complications in the project’s duration. Working together with reputable architects and designers, who maintain transparent contractual terms, becomes a cornerstone, of this process.

ACH works with the areas most distinguished and decorated architects and design firms in the industry and will assist our clients in understanding who owns the rights to the information provided.

It literally only takes 10 minutes to get the information you need to find out if we’re a good fit for you. Book your call here.

Also, make sure to visit our Learning Center for more valuable tips and information to help you plan your next home project with confidence!