Forums >> Workflow & Implementation >> Worksets >> How to protect my model and myself from bad architects?

arcticnyc

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Joined: Fri, Jun 26, 2015
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I am a structural engineer and here is the case:

For example, I have done the structural model, created a central model and made the workset all mine.

I am sending that to an architect. He/she is easily "detaches the model from central" and click "discards all worksets".After that, when he has entire model and sheets, he just pays to another sructural engineer just for sign and seal on sheets that was prepared by me. I am out of deal.

How to protect myself? 

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mansell5

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Joined: Sun, Jun 14, 2009
68 Posts

welcome to the world of commerce.

you need a signed agreement/engagement form from the client that ties them up , and says

the design is yours only , and remains your copyrighted intellectual property and cant be used until agreed payment is received.

also said agreement should say to be used for this  project only.

also any use of this design outside of the said agreement renders them liable for any structural issues and copyright infringements.

that should scare anyone straight !

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DavidBruinsma

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Joined: Sun, Jun 3, 2012
13 Posts

It is important with any electronic sharing of information between consultants that proper agreements are in place that the purpose of sharing the elecronic information is between the primary consultants only - and not to be released to 3rd parties. Any release of electronic information will be subject to action being taken by the original author of the electronic information. This needs to be written in proper legal jargon of course.

This needs to be written into the original fee agreement prior to any commencement of works.

If this does take place (your file is used by a 3rd party), it needs to be reported to the engineers association in the country where you work. Also, you will need to take action through the courts, start with 'copyright', also try for 'lose of expectation of profit' or 'non payment of professional fees'.

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coreed

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Joined: Fri, Feb 10, 2006
1874 Posts

I agree with David. This is an age old electronic media problem. If it's electronic (music, movies, cad), you have this problem.

-----------------------------------

best regards,

coreed,aia

bmpArchitects,Inc.

"Revit has to be implemented, Not installed." 

Long Live Revit

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