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GlynDon042
Joined: 14 Dec 2008
Posts: 2
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 Posted: Sun Jan 18, 2009 11:19 pm Post subject: Problems with Copyright |
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| Is there a way to send a drawing in dwg format where the reciever is unable to make changes to the file. I am having problems with copyright and need to be able to send drawings without the reciever having the ability to change the drawing in any way. |
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lekizz
millennium club
Joined: 11 Jan 2006
Posts: 1212
Location: UK
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| Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2009 6:33 am Post subject: |
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Maybe the best solution would be for you to retain a non editable, dated record of the drawing/design as evidence of your work (we generally keep PDF copies). In whatever format you send a drawing, a third party will be able to copy the ideas/design if they really want to! Whatever eventuality, you need to keep a 'paper trail' of your original ideas.
You also need to ask yourself why you are sending DWG's at all, because by their nature they are measurable/scalable/editable etc. |
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csintexas
millennium club
Joined: 06 Feb 2006
Posts: 2174
Location: USA
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| Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2009 8:30 am Post subject: |
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You might as well just send them as PDF's if you want them to be non editable.
_________________
-Chris Stewart
http://bcshdb.blogspot.com >
The B/CS Home Design Blog |
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Antisthenes
Joined: 28 Nov 2006
Posts: 756
Location: Phoenix
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| Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2009 8:34 am Post subject: |
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try DWF but their are tools that can open to edit if the person knows and really wants to (intellicad)
or a Locked Pdf out of indesign
_________________
The most necessary/useful piece of learning is that which unlearns what is untrue: 'evil'
may be acquired, Happiness through virtue which is based on knowledge!/? |
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WalkerARCHITECTS
Joined: 25 Sep 2007
Posts: 105
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| Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2009 12:17 pm Post subject: |
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| There is software available to secure AutoCad drawings called "OwnerGuard". I do not use this program but apparently it does what you want, so take a look at 3rd party vendor software. I have learned that you just do not give people your DWG files unless you have control over the use. |
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Checkpoint43
Joined: 22 Mar 2007
Posts: 180
Location: Lexington, VA
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| Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2009 4:20 pm Post subject: |
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The first question is who are you sending the drawing to?
Is it someone who will be building a structure from the plans "as is", or another architect or designer who intends to change the design?
A dwg drawing is a format used by architects and designers. Other formats, such as pdf help to prove a "no changes are to be made" agreement was set in advance.
files sent in pdf format mean you obviously haven't made that option convient to the recepient.
And what about hard copies? The last time I checked, paper is still being used.
Maybe the recipient would like to modify your design. In this case, you should include a liability release agreement which means you aren't held responsible for the resulting structure since you didn't design it.
All you need to be concerned with then is getting paid for the work you have done.
Finally, the copyright protection system found in The Checkpoint Home Plan Distribution System makes it necessary for someone to present a voucher to the building official when applying for a building permit.
This voucher proves authenticity of the original drawing, prevents multiple building, solves liability issues regarding modifications, etc.
For more information, go to my web site.www.checkpointplans.com |
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PaulTaylor
Joined: 19 Jan 2009
Posts: 4
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| Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2009 8:38 pm Post subject: Re: Problems with Copyright |
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| GlynDon042 wrote: | | Is there a way to send a drawing in dwg format where the reciever is unable to make changes to the file. I am having problems with copyright and need to be able to send drawings without the reciever having the ability to change the drawing in any way. |
I'm trying dwglock from http://www.dwgsoft.com.
Our department keep the original DWG and send our clients the copies generated from the dwglock program. |
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nanrehvasconez
Joined: 25 Feb 2008
Posts: 329
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| Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2009 6:07 pm Post subject: |
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There is no way to protect your drawings and ideas from a DISONESTclient or/and other designers, and there are many around.
Prior to providing drawings to a client, have him/shim (hahah) sign a contract and pay $$$ you the proper retainer worth your effort and ideas.
We do projects in which the idea of the project is logical, once the idea is disclosed, the ovious become tangible and any one could pull the thread and develope the idea. As a protection we sign contracts, receive retainer $$$, and use in the drawings proprietary and/or patented components we own or license. |
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Checkpoint43
Joined: 22 Mar 2007
Posts: 180
Location: Lexington, VA
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| Posted: Tue Feb 03, 2009 7:24 pm Post subject: |
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| Quote: | | There is no way to protect your drawings and ideas from a DISONESTclient or/and other designers, and there are many around. |
I agree.
The best you can hope for is if you can't be held liable for any damages if their re-designed structure fails.
Stock plan distributors are aware of this.
First, they tell you not to copy or modify their design.
Then they turn around and say that if you intend to copy or modify the plan, they will sell you a reproducable set of drawings.
Reproducables come with a liability release letter.
Now copying or modifying is allowed.
You just have to promise to build only one house. The original plan copyrights still belong to them.
You should protect your original plans in a similar way.
Learn more about copyright protection at www.checkpointplans.com |
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