Legal Term
Freelance Architect Design-Build Contract IP Ownership of Shop Drawings
Legal Definition
This determines who owns the detailed fabrication and installation plans (shop drawings) that a contractor creates based on an architect's design. In a design-build contract, the default rule often vests ownership in the party that produces the drawings—typically the contractor—unless the contract explicitly states otherwise, affecting reuse, modification, and licensing rights.
In Plain English
Shop drawings are the builder's step-by-step instructions from your design. Who owns them decides if you can reuse or sell those plans later.
Example in a Contract
Section 5. Intellectual Property.
5.1 Ownership of Shop Drawings. Contractor shall own all right, title, and interest in and to all Shop Drawings, including all copyrights and moral rights, as works made for hire under applicable law. If such works are not deemed works made for hire, Architect hereby irrevocably assigns all right, title, and interest therein to Contractor.
5.2 License Grant. Contractor hereby grants to Architect and Owner a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use the Shop Drawings solely for the construction, operation, and maintenance of the Project at [Project Address].
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