YEAR 2025 No 2 Volume 37

ISSN 2182-9845

Thoughts concerning the copyright (patrimonial and moral) of the author of a work of architecture - Building project for a building intended to house a commercial establishment

J. P. Remédio Marques

Keywords

Copyright; architectural projects; originality; infringement; injunction for infringement; Security deposit.

Abstract

Architectural projects for buildings (or commercial premises) can be protected by copyright. There must, however, exist an original subject matter, in the sense of being the author’s own intellectual creation. Second, classification as a work is reserved to the elements that are the expression of such creation. However, when the realisation of a subject matter has been dictated by technical considerations, rules or other constraints, which have left no room for creative freedom, that subject matter cannot be regarded as possessing the originality required for it to constitute a work. An arquitectural project that stands out from the mass of everyday construction work, and is therefore worthy of copyright protection, is more likely to be found in representative buildings (such as castles, monuments) than in purely functional buildings. But they can also be an expression of individual creativity. Zoning, urban planning, sanitation and other constraints limit the architect's creative freedom. We also argue that the economic dimension of copyright in architectural works (on the assumption that they can be protected by copyright) is very small or, in practice, almost non-existent. That said, especially when the intellectual creation has already materialised in the corpus mechanicum, i.e. the building.
In an injunction for infringement of copyright in architectural designs, an order to cease construction can be replaced by a security deposit or the lodging of guarantees intended to ensure the compensation of the rightholder. However, the amount of this security deposit is disputed. It is argued that this amount cannot take into account the value of the building (or commercial premises installed in it) that has already been licensed for use or that is being built.

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