The Dispute Resolution practice group was instructed to advise a private property developer in connection with a potential claim for copyright infringement arising from the production and amendment of differing versions of building development plans prepared by a series of architect firms.
The case was an interesting one and concerned the risks associated with the use of architects plans, later amended by a firm of architects at the developer's instruction, the originals of which had been prepared by a property developer with in-house planning facilities, before a formal 'design and build' contract had been agreed, and in circumstances where no license for use of the plans had been discussed or agreed.
