{ "name": "Who owns a civil engineer's drawings once the client has paid", "title": "Who owns a civil engineer's drawings once the client has paid", "kind": "terms-board", "url": "https://sellcivilengineeringdatatoai.com/datasets/civil-drawings-ownership-terms/", "csv": "https://sellcivilengineeringdatatoai.com/datasets/civil-drawings-ownership-terms.csv", "markdown": "https://sellcivilengineeringdatatoai.com/datasets/civil-drawings-ownership-terms/index.md", "computed_at": "2026-10-31", "license": "https://sellcivilengineeringdatatoai.com/terms", "headline": "12 rules on who owns a civil engineer's drawings after the client pays, each quoted from the statute, the federal clause or the appointment's publisher, read 31 October 2026.", "quotes": [ "12 rules on who owns a civil engineer's drawings after the client pays, each quoted from the statute, the federal clause or the appointment's publisher, read 31 October 2026.", "Where the rule comes from, by provision: a standard engineering appointment (ACE, EJCDC or NEC) 4 of 12, a UK statute 3 of 12, a US statute 3 of 12, a federal contract clause (FAR) 2 of 12 (12 provisions, read 31 October 2026).", "What it settles, by provision: what a client who paid receives 3 of 12, who owns a drawing or design first 3 of 12, what the government takes under a federal contract 2 of 12, how a right passes to someone else 2 of 12, what counts as copying a drawing 2 of 12 (12 provisions, read 31 October 2026).", "The rule in its own words, by provision: stated 12 of 12 (12 provisions, read 31 October 2026)." ], "citation": "\"Who owns a civil engineer's drawings once the client has paid\", updated 2026-10-31, https://sellcivilengineeringdatatoai.com/datasets/civil-drawings-ownership-terms/.", "national": { "n": 12, "unit": "provisions", "documents": 12, "published_sources": 12, "named_sources": 18 }, "board": { "type": "clauses", "noun": { "one": "provision", "many": "provisions" }, "document": { "one": "text", "many": "texts" }, "fields": [ { "id": "source_kind", "label": "Where the rule comes from", "counts": { "us-statute": 3, "us-federal-clause": 2, "engineering-form": 4, "uk-statute": 3 }, "values": [ { "value": "us-statute", "text": "a US statute" }, { "value": "us-federal-clause", "text": "a federal contract clause (FAR)" }, { "value": "uk-statute", "text": "a UK statute" }, { "value": "engineering-form", "text": "a standard engineering appointment (ACE, EJCDC or NEC)" } ] }, { "id": "settles", "label": "What it settles", "counts": { "client-paid": 3, "first-owner": 3, "how-rights-pass": 2, "government-rights": 2, "what-is-copied": 2 }, "values": [ { "value": "first-owner", "text": "who owns a drawing or design first" }, { "value": "client-paid", "text": "what a client who paid receives" }, { "value": "how-rights-pass", "text": "how a right passes to someone else" }, { "value": "government-rights", "text": "what the government takes under a federal contract" }, { "value": "what-is-copied", "text": "what counts as copying a drawing" } ] }, { "id": "words", "label": "The rule in its own words", "counts": { "stated": 12 }, "values": [ { "value": "stated", "text": "stated" } ], "clause": true } ], "lead": { "type": "count", "field": null, "value": null, "n": 12, "of": 12, "label": "Rules quoted from the text" }, "vendors": [ { "name": "17 U.S.C. 101, work made for hire", "answers": { "source_kind": { "value": "us-statute", "text": "a US statute", "documents": [ { "document": "Title 17, United States Code, section 101 (definitions)", "url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/17/101?link-type=html", "value": "us-statute", "quote": "A \"work made for hire\" is—" } ] }, "settles": { "value": "client-paid", "text": "what a client who paid receives", "documents": [ { "document": "Title 17, United States Code, section 101 (definitions)", "url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/17/101?link-type=html", "value": "client-paid", "quote": "a work specially ordered or commissioned for use as a contribution to a collective work, as a part of a motion picture or other audiovisual work" } ] }, "words": { "value": "stated", "text": "if the parties expressly agree in a written instrument signed by them that the work shall…", "documents": [ { "document": "Title 17, United States Code, section 101 (definitions)", "url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/17/101?link-type=html", "value": "stated", "quote": "if the parties expressly agree in a written instrument signed by them that the work shall be considered a work made for hire." } ] } } }, { "name": "17 U.S.C. 201(b), works made for hire", "answers": { "source_kind": { "value": "us-statute", "text": "a US statute", "documents": [ { "document": "Title 17, United States Code, section 201 (ownership of copyright)", "url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/17/201?link-type=html", "value": "us-statute", "quote": "Copyright in a work protected under this title vests initially in the author or authors of the work." } ] }, "settles": { "value": "first-owner", "text": "who owns a drawing or design first", "documents": [ { "document": "Title 17, United States Code, section 201 (ownership of copyright)", "url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/17/201?link-type=html", "value": "first-owner", "quote": "In the case of a work made for hire, the employer or other person for whom the work was prepared is considered the author for purposes of this title" } ] }, "words": { "value": "stated", "text": "unless the parties have expressly agreed otherwise in a written instrument signed by…", "documents": [ { "document": "Title 17, United States Code, section 201 (ownership of copyright)", "url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/17/201?link-type=html", "value": "stated", "quote": "unless the parties have expressly agreed otherwise in a written instrument signed by them, owns all of the rights comprised in the copyright." } ] } } }, { "name": "17 U.S.C. 204(a), transfers in writing", "answers": { "source_kind": { "value": "us-statute", "text": "a US statute", "documents": [ { "document": "Title 17, United States Code, section 204 (execution of transfers of copyright ownership)", "url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/17/204?link-type=html", "value": "us-statute", "quote": "A transfer of copyright ownership, other than by operation of law, is not valid unless an instrument of conveyance" } ] }, "settles": { "value": "how-rights-pass", "text": "how a right passes to someone else", "documents": [ { "document": "Title 17, United States Code, section 204 (execution of transfers of copyright ownership)", "url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/17/204?link-type=html", "value": "how-rights-pass", "quote": "is in writing and signed by the owner of the rights conveyed or such owner's duly authorized agent." } ] }, "words": { "value": "stated", "text": "A transfer of copyright ownership, other than by operation of law, is not valid unless an…", "documents": [ { "document": "Title 17, United States Code, section 204 (execution of transfers of copyright ownership)", "url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/17/204?link-type=html", "value": "stated", "quote": "A transfer of copyright ownership, other than by operation of law, is not valid unless an instrument of conveyance, or a note or memorandum of the transfer, is in writing and signed by the owner of the rights conveyed or such owner's duly authorized agent." } ] } } }, { "name": "48 CFR 52.227-14, Rights in Data, General", "answers": { "source_kind": { "value": "us-federal-clause", "text": "a federal contract clause (FAR)", "documents": [ { "document": "Federal Acquisition Regulation 52.227-14, Rights in Data, General", "url": "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-48/chapter-1/subchapter-H/part-52/subpart-52.2/section-52.227-14", "value": "us-federal-clause", "quote": "Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this clause, the Government shall have unlimited rights in" } ] }, "settles": { "value": "government-rights", "text": "what the government takes under a federal contract", "documents": [ { "document": "Federal Acquisition Regulation 52.227-14, Rights in Data, General", "url": "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-48/chapter-1/subchapter-H/part-52/subpart-52.2/section-52.227-14", "value": "government-rights", "quote": "Unlimited rights means the rights of the Government to use, disclose, reproduce, prepare derivative works, distribute copies to the public, and perform publicly and display publicly, in any manner and for any purpose" } ] }, "words": { "value": "stated", "text": "Data delivered to the Government without any restrictive markings shall be deemed to have…", "documents": [ { "document": "Federal Acquisition Regulation 52.227-14, Rights in Data, General", "url": "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-48/chapter-1/subchapter-H/part-52/subpart-52.2/section-52.227-14", "value": "stated", "quote": "Data delivered to the Government without any restrictive markings shall be deemed to have been furnished with unlimited rights." } ] } } }, { "name": "48 CFR 52.227-17, Rights in Data, Special Works", "answers": { "source_kind": { "value": "us-federal-clause", "text": "a federal contract clause (FAR)", "documents": [ { "document": "Federal Acquisition Regulation 52.227-17, Rights in Data, Special Works", "url": "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-48/chapter-1/subchapter-H/part-52/subpart-52.2/section-52.227-17", "value": "us-federal-clause", "quote": "Rights in Data—Special Works (DEC 2007)" } ] }, "settles": { "value": "government-rights", "text": "what the government takes under a federal contract", "documents": [ { "document": "Federal Acquisition Regulation 52.227-17, Rights in Data, Special Works", "url": "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-48/chapter-1/subchapter-H/part-52/subpart-52.2/section-52.227-17", "value": "government-rights", "quote": "Unlimited rights in all data delivered under this contract, and in all data first produced in the performance of this contract" } ] }, "words": { "value": "stated", "text": "The right to limit assertion of copyright in data first produced in the performance of…", "documents": [ { "document": "Federal Acquisition Regulation 52.227-17, Rights in Data, Special Works", "url": "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-48/chapter-1/subchapter-H/part-52/subpart-52.2/section-52.227-17", "value": "stated", "quote": "The right to limit assertion of copyright in data first produced in the performance of this contract, and to obtain assignment of copyright in that data" } ] } } }, { "name": "ACE Collateral Warranty, the beneficiary licence", "answers": { "source_kind": { "value": "engineering-form", "text": "a standard engineering appointment (ACE, EJCDC or NEC)", "documents": [ { "document": "ACE Collateral Warranty Agreements 2020 (evaluation copy), clause 2", "url": "https://www.acenet.co.uk/media/6748/collateral-warranty-agreements-eval-copy.pdf", "value": "engineering-form", "quote": "The Beneficiary has a licence to use the drawings, documents and information issued pursuant to the" } ] }, "settles": { "value": "client-paid", "text": "what a client who paid receives", "documents": [ { "document": "ACE Collateral Warranty Agreements 2020 (evaluation copy), clause 2", "url": "https://www.acenet.co.uk/media/6748/collateral-warranty-agreements-eval-copy.pdf", "value": "client-paid", "quote": "The licence shall enable the Beneficiary to use the Consultant’s drawings, documents and information and to" } ] }, "words": { "value": "stated", "text": "The Beneficiary has a licence to use the drawings, documents and information issued…", "documents": [ { "document": "ACE Collateral Warranty Agreements 2020 (evaluation copy), clause 2", "url": "https://www.acenet.co.uk/media/6748/collateral-warranty-agreements-eval-copy.pdf", "value": "stated", "quote": "The Beneficiary has a licence to use the drawings, documents and information issued pursuant to the Appointment by the Consultant for any purpose relating to completion of the Works and the operation of the Project." } ] } } }, { "name": "ACE Short Form Agreement, clause 5", "answers": { "source_kind": { "value": "engineering-form", "text": "a standard engineering appointment (ACE, EJCDC or NEC)", "documents": [ { "document": "ACE Short Form Agreement 2015, clause 5 (copyright, licences and confidentiality)", "url": "https://www.acenet.co.uk/media/2284/ace-short-form-2015.pdf", "value": "engineering-form", "quote": "Copyright, Licences and Confidentiality" } ] }, "settles": { "value": "client-paid", "text": "what a client who paid receives", "documents": [ { "document": "ACE Short Form Agreement 2015, clause 5 (copyright, licences and confidentiality)", "url": "https://www.acenet.co.uk/media/2284/ace-short-form-2015.pdf", "value": "client-paid", "quote": "The Client shall have a licence to copy and use such material for the purposes for which they were provided" } ] }, "words": { "value": "stated", "text": "The copyright in all drawings and other documents (including material in electronic form)…", "documents": [ { "document": "ACE Short Form Agreement 2015, clause 5 (copyright, licences and confidentiality)", "url": "https://www.acenet.co.uk/media/2284/ace-short-form-2015.pdf", "value": "stated", "quote": "The copyright in all drawings and other documents (including material in electronic form) provided by the Consultant to the Client remains vested in the Consultant." } ] } } }, { "name": "CDPA 1988 s.17, copying in three dimensions", "answers": { "source_kind": { "value": "uk-statute", "text": "a UK statute", "documents": [ { "document": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 17 (infringement of copyright by copying)", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/17", "value": "uk-statute", "quote": "The copying of the work is an act restricted by the copyright in every description of copyright work" } ] }, "settles": { "value": "what-is-copied", "text": "what counts as copying a drawing", "documents": [ { "document": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 17 (infringement of copyright by copying)", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/17", "value": "what-is-copied", "quote": "In relation to an artistic work copying includes the making of a copy in three dimensions of a two-dimensional work" } ] }, "words": { "value": "stated", "text": "In relation to an artistic work copying includes the making of a copy in three dimensions…", "documents": [ { "document": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 17 (infringement of copyright by copying)", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/17", "value": "stated", "quote": "In relation to an artistic work copying includes the making of a copy in three dimensions of a two-dimensional work and the making of a copy in two dimensions of a three-dimensional work." } ] } } }, { "name": "CDPA 1988 s.215, design right", "answers": { "source_kind": { "value": "uk-statute", "text": "a UK statute", "documents": [ { "document": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 215 (ownership of design right)", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/215", "value": "uk-statute", "quote": "The designer is the first owner of any design right in a design which is not created" } ] }, "settles": { "value": "first-owner", "text": "who owns a drawing or design first", "documents": [ { "document": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 215 (ownership of design right)", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/215", "value": "first-owner", "quote": "a design is created by an employee in the course of his employment, his employer is the first owner of any design right in the design." } ] }, "words": { "value": "stated", "text": "a design is created by an employee in the course of his employment, his employer is the…", "documents": [ { "document": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 215 (ownership of design right)", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/215", "value": "stated", "quote": "a design is created by an employee in the course of his employment, his employer is the first owner of any design right in the design." } ] } } }, { "name": "CDPA 1988 s.51, design documents", "answers": { "source_kind": { "value": "uk-statute", "text": "a UK statute", "documents": [ { "document": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 51 (design documents and models)", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/51", "value": "uk-statute", "quote": "It is not an infringement of any copyright in a design document or model recording or embodying a design for anything other than an artistic work" } ] }, "settles": { "value": "what-is-copied", "text": "what counts as copying a drawing", "documents": [ { "document": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 51 (design documents and models)", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/51", "value": "what-is-copied", "quote": "to make an article to the design or to copy an article made to the design." } ] }, "words": { "value": "stated", "text": "“design document” means any record of a design, whether in the form of a drawing, a…", "documents": [ { "document": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 51 (design documents and models)", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/51", "value": "stated", "quote": "“design document” means any record of a design, whether in the form of a drawing, a written description, a photograph, data stored in a computer or otherwise." } ] } } }, { "name": "EJCDC E-570 (2020), the prime agreement governs", "answers": { "source_kind": { "value": "engineering-form", "text": "a standard engineering appointment (ACE, EJCDC or NEC)", "documents": [ { "document": "EJCDC E-570 (2020 edition) press release", "url": "https://ejcdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/2020-E-570-Press-Release-.pdf", "value": "engineering-form", "quote": "expressly emphasizes that the prime agreement sets the rules for ownership, copyright," } ] }, "settles": { "value": "how-rights-pass", "text": "how a right passes to someone else", "documents": [ { "document": "EJCDC E-570 (2020 edition) press release", "url": "https://ejcdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/2020-E-570-Press-Release-.pdf", "value": "how-rights-pass", "quote": "the prime agreement sets the rules for ownership, copyright, and use of the design documents that Subconsultant prepares and furnishes to Engineer." } ] }, "words": { "value": "stated", "text": "the prime agreement sets the rules for ownership, copyright, and use of the design…", "documents": [ { "document": "EJCDC E-570 (2020 edition) press release", "url": "https://ejcdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/2020-E-570-Press-Release-.pdf", "value": "stated", "quote": "the prime agreement sets the rules for ownership, copyright, and use of the design documents that Subconsultant prepares and furnishes to Engineer." } ] } } }, { "name": "NEC4, use and copy of a subcontractor's design", "answers": { "source_kind": { "value": "engineering-form", "text": "a standard engineering appointment (ACE, EJCDC or NEC)", "documents": [ { "document": "NEC, How the NEC4 ECS deals with intellectual property rights", "url": "https://www.neccontract.com/news/how-the-nec4-ecs-deals-with-intellectual-property-rights", "value": "engineering-form", "quote": "NEC4 contracts do not use the term ‘intellectual property’; instead, they refer to ‘material’ and ‘design’, neither of which is defined." } ] }, "settles": { "value": "first-owner", "text": "who owns a drawing or design first", "documents": [ { "document": "NEC, How the NEC4 ECS deals with intellectual property rights", "url": "https://www.neccontract.com/news/how-the-nec4-ecs-deals-with-intellectual-property-rights", "value": "first-owner", "quote": "Intellectual property belongs to the party that created the work unless the contract states otherwise." } ] }, "words": { "value": "stated", "text": "Intellectual property belongs to the party that created the work unless the contract…", "documents": [ { "document": "NEC, How the NEC4 ECS deals with intellectual property rights", "url": "https://www.neccontract.com/news/how-the-nec4-ecs-deals-with-intellectual-property-rights", "value": "stated", "quote": "Intellectual property belongs to the party that created the work unless the contract states otherwise. Parties involved may include clients, consultants, contractors or subcontractors." } ] } } } ] }, "subject_kind": "provision", "rows": [ { "subject": "17 U.S.C. 101, work made for hire", "url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/17/101?link-type=html", "document": "Title 17, United States Code, section 101 (definitions)", "question": "source_kind", "answer": "us-statute", "answer_text": "a US statute", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-28", "quote": "A \"work made for hire\" is—", "text_sha256": "f2510881e64e0429ee072ab7431f8ba1a4f5158c01bfee2187a901a1f83df0ae" }, { "subject": "17 U.S.C. 101, work made for hire", "url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/17/101?link-type=html", "document": "Title 17, United States Code, section 101 (definitions)", "question": "settles", "answer": "client-paid", "answer_text": "what a client who paid receives", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-28", "quote": "a work specially ordered or commissioned for use as a contribution to a collective work, as a part of a motion picture or other audiovisual work", "text_sha256": "f2510881e64e0429ee072ab7431f8ba1a4f5158c01bfee2187a901a1f83df0ae" }, { "subject": "17 U.S.C. 101, work made for hire", "url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/17/101?link-type=html", "document": "Title 17, United States Code, section 101 (definitions)", "question": "words", "answer": "stated", "answer_text": "if the parties expressly agree in a written instrument signed by them that the work shall…", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-28", "quote": "if the parties expressly agree in a written instrument signed by them that the work shall be considered a work made for hire.", "text_sha256": "f2510881e64e0429ee072ab7431f8ba1a4f5158c01bfee2187a901a1f83df0ae" }, { "subject": "17 U.S.C. 201(b), works made for hire", "url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/17/201?link-type=html", "document": "Title 17, United States Code, section 201 (ownership of copyright)", "question": "source_kind", "answer": "us-statute", "answer_text": "a US statute", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-28", "quote": "Copyright in a work protected under this title vests initially in the author or authors of the work.", "text_sha256": "5eb702f5f77200bb78c68f36a8ea26184df571083c3f646b1cf49c35032fddb8" }, { "subject": "17 U.S.C. 201(b), works made for hire", "url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/17/201?link-type=html", "document": "Title 17, United States Code, section 201 (ownership of copyright)", "question": "settles", "answer": "first-owner", "answer_text": "who owns a drawing or design first", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-28", "quote": "In the case of a work made for hire, the employer or other person for whom the work was prepared is considered the author for purposes of this title", "text_sha256": "5eb702f5f77200bb78c68f36a8ea26184df571083c3f646b1cf49c35032fddb8" }, { "subject": "17 U.S.C. 201(b), works made for hire", "url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/17/201?link-type=html", "document": "Title 17, United States Code, section 201 (ownership of copyright)", "question": "words", "answer": "stated", "answer_text": "unless the parties have expressly agreed otherwise in a written instrument signed by…", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-28", "quote": "unless the parties have expressly agreed otherwise in a written instrument signed by them, owns all of the rights comprised in the copyright.", "text_sha256": "5eb702f5f77200bb78c68f36a8ea26184df571083c3f646b1cf49c35032fddb8" }, { "subject": "17 U.S.C. 204(a), transfers in writing", "url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/17/204?link-type=html", "document": "Title 17, United States Code, section 204 (execution of transfers of copyright ownership)", "question": "source_kind", "answer": "us-statute", "answer_text": "a US statute", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-31", "quote": "A transfer of copyright ownership, other than by operation of law, is not valid unless an instrument of conveyance", "text_sha256": "3506390ae8f30f7b0b10d2d0bf353a0a029948e402b14c5bd5321349e83dd64c" }, { "subject": "17 U.S.C. 204(a), transfers in writing", "url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/17/204?link-type=html", "document": "Title 17, United States Code, section 204 (execution of transfers of copyright ownership)", "question": "settles", "answer": "how-rights-pass", "answer_text": "how a right passes to someone else", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-31", "quote": "is in writing and signed by the owner of the rights conveyed or such owner's duly authorized agent.", "text_sha256": "3506390ae8f30f7b0b10d2d0bf353a0a029948e402b14c5bd5321349e83dd64c" }, { "subject": "17 U.S.C. 204(a), transfers in writing", "url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/17/204?link-type=html", "document": "Title 17, United States Code, section 204 (execution of transfers of copyright ownership)", "question": "words", "answer": "stated", "answer_text": "A transfer of copyright ownership, other than by operation of law, is not valid unless an…", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-31", "quote": "A transfer of copyright ownership, other than by operation of law, is not valid unless an instrument of conveyance, or a note or memorandum of the transfer, is in writing and signed by the owner of the rights conveyed or such owner's duly authorized agent.", "text_sha256": "3506390ae8f30f7b0b10d2d0bf353a0a029948e402b14c5bd5321349e83dd64c" }, { "subject": "48 CFR 52.227-14, Rights in Data, General", "url": "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-48/chapter-1/subchapter-H/part-52/subpart-52.2/section-52.227-14", "document": "Federal Acquisition Regulation 52.227-14, Rights in Data, General", "question": "source_kind", "answer": "us-federal-clause", "answer_text": "a federal contract clause (FAR)", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-28", "quote": "Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this clause, the Government shall have unlimited rights in", "text_sha256": "87adb070652f6b7740860222a3e7de51e3cf3eafe4e8cfd8e548f76dcdab1549" }, { "subject": "48 CFR 52.227-14, Rights in Data, General", "url": "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-48/chapter-1/subchapter-H/part-52/subpart-52.2/section-52.227-14", "document": "Federal Acquisition Regulation 52.227-14, Rights in Data, General", "question": "settles", "answer": "government-rights", "answer_text": "what the government takes under a federal contract", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-28", "quote": "Unlimited rights means the rights of the Government to use, disclose, reproduce, prepare derivative works, distribute copies to the public, and perform publicly and display publicly, in any manner and for any purpose", "text_sha256": "87adb070652f6b7740860222a3e7de51e3cf3eafe4e8cfd8e548f76dcdab1549" }, { "subject": "48 CFR 52.227-14, Rights in Data, General", "url": "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-48/chapter-1/subchapter-H/part-52/subpart-52.2/section-52.227-14", "document": "Federal Acquisition Regulation 52.227-14, Rights in Data, General", "question": "words", "answer": "stated", "answer_text": "Data delivered to the Government without any restrictive markings shall be deemed to have…", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-28", "quote": "Data delivered to the Government without any restrictive markings shall be deemed to have been furnished with unlimited rights.", "text_sha256": "87adb070652f6b7740860222a3e7de51e3cf3eafe4e8cfd8e548f76dcdab1549" }, { "subject": "48 CFR 52.227-17, Rights in Data, Special Works", "url": "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-48/chapter-1/subchapter-H/part-52/subpart-52.2/section-52.227-17", "document": "Federal Acquisition Regulation 52.227-17, Rights in Data, Special Works", "question": "source_kind", "answer": "us-federal-clause", "answer_text": "a federal contract clause (FAR)", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-31", "quote": "Rights in Data—Special Works (DEC 2007)", "text_sha256": "a9013d7504fb951f6e5f6eba941fc946c869cd7764e40dbe2040c8360301f8c2" }, { "subject": "48 CFR 52.227-17, Rights in Data, Special Works", "url": "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-48/chapter-1/subchapter-H/part-52/subpart-52.2/section-52.227-17", "document": "Federal Acquisition Regulation 52.227-17, Rights in Data, Special Works", "question": "settles", "answer": "government-rights", "answer_text": "what the government takes under a federal contract", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-31", "quote": "Unlimited rights in all data delivered under this contract, and in all data first produced in the performance of this contract", "text_sha256": "a9013d7504fb951f6e5f6eba941fc946c869cd7764e40dbe2040c8360301f8c2" }, { "subject": "48 CFR 52.227-17, Rights in Data, Special Works", "url": "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-48/chapter-1/subchapter-H/part-52/subpart-52.2/section-52.227-17", "document": "Federal Acquisition Regulation 52.227-17, Rights in Data, Special Works", "question": "words", "answer": "stated", "answer_text": "The right to limit assertion of copyright in data first produced in the performance of…", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-31", "quote": "The right to limit assertion of copyright in data first produced in the performance of this contract, and to obtain assignment of copyright in that data", "text_sha256": "a9013d7504fb951f6e5f6eba941fc946c869cd7764e40dbe2040c8360301f8c2" }, { "subject": "ACE Collateral Warranty, the beneficiary licence", "url": "https://www.acenet.co.uk/media/6748/collateral-warranty-agreements-eval-copy.pdf", "document": "ACE Collateral Warranty Agreements 2020 (evaluation copy), clause 2", "question": "source_kind", "answer": "engineering-form", "answer_text": "a standard engineering appointment (ACE, EJCDC or NEC)", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-31", "quote": "The Beneficiary has a licence to use the drawings, documents and information issued pursuant to the", "text_sha256": "b8de088357f127a3c3f4c16e70b0870dab741027eb5afa080d5e30a93d565da6" }, { "subject": "ACE Collateral Warranty, the beneficiary licence", "url": "https://www.acenet.co.uk/media/6748/collateral-warranty-agreements-eval-copy.pdf", "document": "ACE Collateral Warranty Agreements 2020 (evaluation copy), clause 2", "question": "settles", "answer": "client-paid", "answer_text": "what a client who paid receives", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-31", "quote": "The licence shall enable the Beneficiary to use the Consultant’s drawings, documents and information and to", "text_sha256": "b8de088357f127a3c3f4c16e70b0870dab741027eb5afa080d5e30a93d565da6" }, { "subject": "ACE Collateral Warranty, the beneficiary licence", "url": "https://www.acenet.co.uk/media/6748/collateral-warranty-agreements-eval-copy.pdf", "document": "ACE Collateral Warranty Agreements 2020 (evaluation copy), clause 2", "question": "words", "answer": "stated", "answer_text": "The Beneficiary has a licence to use the drawings, documents and information issued…", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-31", "quote": "The Beneficiary has a licence to use the drawings, documents and information issued pursuant to the Appointment by the Consultant for any purpose relating to completion of the Works and the operation of the Project.", "text_sha256": "b8de088357f127a3c3f4c16e70b0870dab741027eb5afa080d5e30a93d565da6" }, { "subject": "ACE Short Form Agreement, clause 5", "url": "https://www.acenet.co.uk/media/2284/ace-short-form-2015.pdf", "document": "ACE Short Form Agreement 2015, clause 5 (copyright, licences and confidentiality)", "question": "source_kind", "answer": "engineering-form", "answer_text": "a standard engineering appointment (ACE, EJCDC or NEC)", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-31", "quote": "Copyright, Licences and Confidentiality", "text_sha256": "f79a9486af9ede00c607f1629965b219db24e50b775c3feb955735ff4b1726de" }, { "subject": "ACE Short Form Agreement, clause 5", "url": "https://www.acenet.co.uk/media/2284/ace-short-form-2015.pdf", "document": "ACE Short Form Agreement 2015, clause 5 (copyright, licences and confidentiality)", "question": "settles", "answer": "client-paid", "answer_text": "what a client who paid receives", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-31", "quote": "The Client shall have a licence to copy and use such material for the purposes for which they were provided", "text_sha256": "f79a9486af9ede00c607f1629965b219db24e50b775c3feb955735ff4b1726de" }, { "subject": "ACE Short Form Agreement, clause 5", "url": "https://www.acenet.co.uk/media/2284/ace-short-form-2015.pdf", "document": "ACE Short Form Agreement 2015, clause 5 (copyright, licences and confidentiality)", "question": "words", "answer": "stated", "answer_text": "The copyright in all drawings and other documents (including material in electronic form)…", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-31", "quote": "The copyright in all drawings and other documents (including material in electronic form) provided by the Consultant to the Client remains vested in the Consultant.", "text_sha256": "f79a9486af9ede00c607f1629965b219db24e50b775c3feb955735ff4b1726de" }, { "subject": "CDPA 1988 s.17, copying in three dimensions", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/17", "document": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 17 (infringement of copyright by copying)", "question": "source_kind", "answer": "uk-statute", "answer_text": "a UK statute", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-31", "quote": "The copying of the work is an act restricted by the copyright in every description of copyright work", "text_sha256": "573c8a96bcd1fa2a29653851d193bf13dbb2d56e9c17f07819b3592c75a931d2" }, { "subject": "CDPA 1988 s.17, copying in three dimensions", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/17", "document": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 17 (infringement of copyright by copying)", "question": "settles", "answer": "what-is-copied", "answer_text": "what counts as copying a drawing", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-31", "quote": "In relation to an artistic work copying includes the making of a copy in three dimensions of a two-dimensional work", "text_sha256": "573c8a96bcd1fa2a29653851d193bf13dbb2d56e9c17f07819b3592c75a931d2" }, { "subject": "CDPA 1988 s.17, copying in three dimensions", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/17", "document": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 17 (infringement of copyright by copying)", "question": "words", "answer": "stated", "answer_text": "In relation to an artistic work copying includes the making of a copy in three dimensions…", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-31", "quote": "In relation to an artistic work copying includes the making of a copy in three dimensions of a two-dimensional work and the making of a copy in two dimensions of a three-dimensional work.", "text_sha256": "573c8a96bcd1fa2a29653851d193bf13dbb2d56e9c17f07819b3592c75a931d2" }, { "subject": "CDPA 1988 s.215, design right", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/215", "document": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 215 (ownership of design right)", "question": "source_kind", "answer": "uk-statute", "answer_text": "a UK statute", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-27", "quote": "The designer is the first owner of any design right in a design which is not created", "text_sha256": "74a6fbb1860d5b17ba2631b4d389c931b2ce62662b9d8de41331cceab089fd22" }, { "subject": "CDPA 1988 s.215, design right", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/215", "document": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 215 (ownership of design right)", "question": "settles", "answer": "first-owner", "answer_text": "who owns a drawing or design first", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-27", "quote": "a design is created by an employee in the course of his employment, his employer is the first owner of any design right in the design.", "text_sha256": "74a6fbb1860d5b17ba2631b4d389c931b2ce62662b9d8de41331cceab089fd22" }, { "subject": "CDPA 1988 s.215, design right", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/215", "document": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 215 (ownership of design right)", "question": "words", "answer": "stated", "answer_text": "a design is created by an employee in the course of his employment, his employer is the…", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-27", "quote": "a design is created by an employee in the course of his employment, his employer is the first owner of any design right in the design.", "text_sha256": "74a6fbb1860d5b17ba2631b4d389c931b2ce62662b9d8de41331cceab089fd22" }, { "subject": "CDPA 1988 s.51, design documents", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/51", "document": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 51 (design documents and models)", "question": "source_kind", "answer": "uk-statute", "answer_text": "a UK statute", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-27", "quote": "It is not an infringement of any copyright in a design document or model recording or embodying a design for anything other than an artistic work", "text_sha256": "881c4a3dbae299cf893502a8bd6d4e4c0e732e57e74093e318771080ce257654" }, { "subject": "CDPA 1988 s.51, design documents", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/51", "document": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 51 (design documents and models)", "question": "settles", "answer": "what-is-copied", "answer_text": "what counts as copying a drawing", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-27", "quote": "to make an article to the design or to copy an article made to the design.", "text_sha256": "881c4a3dbae299cf893502a8bd6d4e4c0e732e57e74093e318771080ce257654" }, { "subject": "CDPA 1988 s.51, design documents", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/51", "document": "Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, section 51 (design documents and models)", "question": "words", "answer": "stated", "answer_text": "“design document” means any record of a design, whether in the form of a drawing, a…", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-27", "quote": "“design document” means any record of a design, whether in the form of a drawing, a written description, a photograph, data stored in a computer or otherwise.", "text_sha256": "881c4a3dbae299cf893502a8bd6d4e4c0e732e57e74093e318771080ce257654" }, { "subject": "EJCDC E-570 (2020), the prime agreement governs", "url": "https://ejcdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/2020-E-570-Press-Release-.pdf", "document": "EJCDC E-570 (2020 edition) press release", "question": "source_kind", "answer": "engineering-form", "answer_text": "a standard engineering appointment (ACE, EJCDC or NEC)", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-31", "quote": "expressly emphasizes that the prime agreement sets the rules for ownership, copyright,", "text_sha256": "eb55c0b754940a350ec656b65a135b773cfd4102d8b0dddbf0d384108ea13655" }, { "subject": "EJCDC E-570 (2020), the prime agreement governs", "url": "https://ejcdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/2020-E-570-Press-Release-.pdf", "document": "EJCDC E-570 (2020 edition) press release", "question": "settles", "answer": "how-rights-pass", "answer_text": "how a right passes to someone else", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-31", "quote": "the prime agreement sets the rules for ownership, copyright, and use of the design documents that Subconsultant prepares and furnishes to Engineer.", "text_sha256": "eb55c0b754940a350ec656b65a135b773cfd4102d8b0dddbf0d384108ea13655" }, { "subject": "EJCDC E-570 (2020), the prime agreement governs", "url": "https://ejcdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/2020-E-570-Press-Release-.pdf", "document": "EJCDC E-570 (2020 edition) press release", "question": "words", "answer": "stated", "answer_text": "the prime agreement sets the rules for ownership, copyright, and use of the design…", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-31", "quote": "the prime agreement sets the rules for ownership, copyright, and use of the design documents that Subconsultant prepares and furnishes to Engineer.", "text_sha256": "eb55c0b754940a350ec656b65a135b773cfd4102d8b0dddbf0d384108ea13655" }, { "subject": "NEC4, use and copy of a subcontractor's design", "url": "https://www.neccontract.com/news/how-the-nec4-ecs-deals-with-intellectual-property-rights", "document": "NEC, How the NEC4 ECS deals with intellectual property rights", "question": "source_kind", "answer": "engineering-form", "answer_text": "a standard engineering appointment (ACE, EJCDC or NEC)", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-31", "quote": "NEC4 contracts do not use the term ‘intellectual property’; instead, they refer to ‘material’ and ‘design’, neither of which is defined.", "text_sha256": "d374480dee3f298f68b4d6bb60b968cdfcb4d7fc8af962eff3fa60c552185d71" }, { "subject": "NEC4, use and copy of a subcontractor's design", "url": "https://www.neccontract.com/news/how-the-nec4-ecs-deals-with-intellectual-property-rights", "document": "NEC, How the NEC4 ECS deals with intellectual property rights", "question": "settles", "answer": "first-owner", "answer_text": "who owns a drawing or design first", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-31", "quote": "Intellectual property belongs to the party that created the work unless the contract states otherwise.", "text_sha256": "d374480dee3f298f68b4d6bb60b968cdfcb4d7fc8af962eff3fa60c552185d71" }, { "subject": "NEC4, use and copy of a subcontractor's design", "url": "https://www.neccontract.com/news/how-the-nec4-ecs-deals-with-intellectual-property-rights", "document": "NEC, How the NEC4 ECS deals with intellectual property rights", "question": "words", "answer": "stated", "answer_text": "Intellectual property belongs to the party that created the work unless the contract…", "status": "stated", "retrieved_at": "2026-10-31", "quote": "Intellectual property belongs to the party that created the work unless the contract states otherwise. Parties involved may include clients, consultants, contractors or subcontractors.", "text_sha256": "d374480dee3f298f68b4d6bb60b968cdfcb4d7fc8af962eff3fa60c552185d71" } ], "sources": [ { "url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/17/201?link-type=html", "label": "17 U.S.C. s.201 (ownership of copyright; works made for hire)", "license": "the publisher's copyright statutes, the federal Rights in Data clauses and the ACE, EJCDC and NEC publishers' own pages, cited for reporting", "class": "primary-government", "status": "read" }, { "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/17", "label": "CDPA 1988 s.17 (infringement by copying; two to three dimensions)", "license": "the publisher's copyright statutes, the federal Rights in Data clauses and the ACE, EJCDC and NEC publishers' own pages, cited for reporting", "class": "primary-government", "status": "read" }, { "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/51", "label": "CDPA 1988 s.51 (design documents and models)", "license": "the publisher's copyright statutes, the federal Rights in Data clauses and the ACE, EJCDC and NEC publishers' own pages, cited for reporting", "class": "primary-government", "status": "read" }, { "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/48/section/215", "label": "CDPA 1988 s.215 (ownership of design right)", "license": "the publisher's copyright statutes, the federal Rights in Data clauses and the ACE, EJCDC and NEC publishers' own pages, cited for reporting", "class": "primary-government", "status": "read" }, { "url": "https://www.acenet.co.uk/media/2284/ace-short-form-2015.pdf", "label": "ACE Short Form Agreement 2015", "license": "the publisher's copyright statutes, the federal Rights in Data clauses and the ACE, EJCDC and NEC publishers' own pages, cited for reporting", "class": "primary-provider-own-site", "status": "read" }, { "url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/17/204?link-type=html", "label": "17 U.S.C. s.204 (execution of transfers of copyright ownership)", "license": "the publisher's copyright statutes, the federal Rights in Data clauses and the ACE, EJCDC and NEC publishers' own pages, cited for reporting", "class": "primary-government", "status": "read" }, { "url": "https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/17/101?link-type=html", "label": "17 U.S.C. s.101 (definitions: work made for hire)", "license": "the publisher's copyright statutes, the federal Rights in Data clauses and the ACE, EJCDC and NEC publishers' own pages, cited for reporting", "class": "primary-government", "status": "read" }, { "url": "https://ejcdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/2020-E-500-Press-Release-.pdf", "label": "EJCDC E-500 (2020) press release", "license": "the publisher's copyright statutes, the federal Rights in Data clauses and the ACE, EJCDC and NEC publishers' own pages, cited for reporting", "class": "primary-provider-own-site", "status": "not-terms", "why": "read whole: a publisher's notice, product listing or licence for the form itself, with no rule on who owns an engineer's drawings" }, { "url": "https://www.acenet.co.uk/media/2008/ace-agreements-faqs.pdf", "label": "ACE Agreements FAQs", "license": "the publisher's copyright statutes, the federal Rights in Data clauses and the ACE, EJCDC and NEC publishers' own pages, cited for reporting", "class": "primary-provider-own-site", "status": "not-terms", "why": "read whole: a publisher's notice, product listing or licence for the form itself, with no rule on who owns an engineer's drawings" }, { "url": "https://www.acenet.co.uk/media/6748/collateral-warranty-agreements-eval-copy.pdf", "label": "ACE Collateral Warranty Agreements (evaluation copy)", "license": "the publisher's copyright statutes, the federal Rights in Data clauses and the ACE, EJCDC and NEC publishers' own pages, cited for reporting", "class": "primary-provider-own-site", "status": "read" }, { "url": "https://ejcdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/LicenseAgreement.pdf", "label": "EJCDC document licence agreement", "license": "the publisher's copyright statutes, the federal Rights in Data clauses and the ACE, EJCDC and NEC publishers' own pages, cited for reporting", "class": "primary-provider-own-site", "status": "not-terms", "why": "read whole: a publisher's notice, product listing or licence for the form itself, with no rule on who owns an engineer's drawings" }, { "url": "https://ejcdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/2020-E-570-Press-Release-.pdf", "label": "EJCDC E-570 (2020) press release", "license": "the publisher's copyright statutes, the federal Rights in Data clauses and the ACE, EJCDC and NEC publishers' own pages, cited for reporting", "class": "primary-provider-own-site", "status": "read" }, { "url": "https://www.neccontract.com/news/how-the-nec4-ecs-deals-with-intellectual-property-rights", "label": "NEC, how NEC4 deals with intellectual property rights", "license": "the publisher's copyright statutes, the federal Rights in Data clauses and the ACE, EJCDC and NEC publishers' own pages, cited for reporting", "class": "primary-provider-own-site", "status": "read" }, { "url": "https://ejcdc.org/product-tag/engineering-contracts", "label": "EJCDC, engineering contracts", "license": "the publisher's copyright statutes, the federal Rights in Data clauses and the ACE, EJCDC and NEC publishers' own pages, cited for reporting", "class": "primary-provider-own-site", "status": "not-terms", "why": "read whole: a publisher's notice, product listing or licence for the form itself, with no rule on who owns an engineer's drawings" }, { "url": "https://www.profunderwriters.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Ownership-of-Documentation.pdf", "label": "Professional Underwriters, Ownership of Documentation", "license": "the publisher's copyright statutes, the federal Rights in Data clauses and the ACE, EJCDC and NEC publishers' own pages, cited for reporting", "class": "secondary", "status": "not-terms", "why": "read whole: a publisher's notice, product listing or licence for the form itself, with no rule on who owns an engineer's drawings" }, { "url": "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-48/chapter-1/subchapter-H/part-52/subpart-52.2/section-52.227-14", "label": "48 CFR 52.227-14 (Rights in Data, General)", "license": "the publisher's copyright statutes, the federal Rights in Data clauses and the ACE, EJCDC and NEC publishers' own pages, cited for reporting", "class": "primary-government", "status": "read" }, { "url": "https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-48/chapter-1/subchapter-H/part-52/subpart-52.2/section-52.227-17", "label": "48 CFR 52.227-17 (Rights in Data, Special Works)", "license": "the publisher's copyright statutes, the federal Rights in Data clauses and the ACE, EJCDC and NEC publishers' own pages, cited for reporting", "class": "primary-government", "status": "read" }, { "url": "https://neccontract.com/products/contracts/nec4/user-guides-and-flow-charts/nec4-professional-service-contract-flow-charts", "label": "NEC4 Professional Service Contract flow charts", "license": "the publisher's copyright statutes, the federal Rights in Data clauses and the ACE, EJCDC and NEC publishers' own pages, cited for reporting", "class": "primary-provider-own-site", "status": "not-terms", "why": "read whole: a publisher's notice, product listing or licence for the form itself, with no rule on who owns an engineer's drawings" } ], "methodology": "Each provision's own copyright statutes, the federal Rights in Data clauses and the ACE, EJCDC and NEC publishers' own pages were read through estate-fetch and stored whole (sha256 on every row). For every text, three questions were answered from its own words: where the rule comes from, what it settles, the rule in its own words. Every stated answer carries the sentence it rests on, checked against the stored text; 'not stated' means the text read does not address the question. A provision with several texts reads 'varies' where they disagree. 12 provisions, 12 texts.", "embed": "
12 rules on who owns a civil engineer's drawings after the client pays, each quoted from the statute, the federal clause or the appointment's publisher, read 31 October 2026.
Who owns a civil engineer's drawings once the client has paid, sellcivilengineeringdatatoai.com
" }