Iain Denby Posted November 10, 2004 Share Posted November 10, 2004 For the first time in 15 years I have a client whio wants to commision me to produce a visual but insists on owning the copyright. His reason is, so that if a third party wants to use the image, they have to get permission from them and not me! I told him his request was very unusual, and that it is normal for me to retain it and that my normal fee covers the licence for him to reproduce the image in a fair and uncompetitive way without my permission. He continually insisted, and although I could have sold him the copyright, I decided not to undertake this work. What is your policy on this? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mbr Posted November 10, 2004 Share Posted November 10, 2004 I've never had anyone care. But money is money, so if they wanted it, that's fine. It's not like they can really do much beyond what would be covered under a regular agreement, anyhow. Is there some specific reason you did not take it? What did you think they could do with the work that you wouldn't approve of? Just curious. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Iain Denby Posted November 10, 2004 Author Share Posted November 10, 2004 What did you think they could do with the work that you wouldn't approve of? Just curious. I wouldn't approve of anything they did to it, if they so wished! I dunno, I think it was their insistence on this matter that made me a bit suspicious. I have so much work on at the moment, I could do without the hassle of it to be honest. Also, I've had my work 'doctored' and elements pinched from my work before. (you know who you are!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crazy Homeless Guy Posted November 10, 2004 Share Posted November 10, 2004 i think you should have taken the project, drawn a special contract for it, then increase the price accordingly (read significant increase). we have had it happen with construction drawings before. a large (top 5) auto manufacturer insisted we turn over all construction drawings and documents on completion of their executive offices. we were not allowed to use it for marketing, and files for the project were to be destroyed (beyond what we had already given them). we did the project, and they paid extra for this unusual request. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fran Posted November 10, 2004 Share Posted November 10, 2004 ...Also, I've had my work 'doctored' and elements pinched from my work before. (you know who you are!) Yeah, I'm ashamed to admit that I'm guilty of that: Sorry, it was a quick job. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Iain Denby Posted November 10, 2004 Author Share Posted November 10, 2004 You know what...I think that man is STRAT! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fran Posted November 10, 2004 Share Posted November 10, 2004 I could have sworn that I did a render using him (as a billboard) looking through the window. But that was months ago and I couldn't find it. So this is Stephen's handiwork? I thought it was you. Oops. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Iain Denby Posted November 10, 2004 Author Share Posted November 10, 2004 Fran The man was a picture I took and put up on this Forum some time ago...it just looks like Strat! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ernest Burden III Posted November 10, 2004 Share Posted November 10, 2004 Is there some specific reason you did not take it? Principle, perhaps? I do not, as a rule transfer copyright. I have turned down otherwise good projects when a client insisted on them owning copyright. What am I going to do with the copyright to a value-less rendering (meaning--who the hell cares about a picture of some ugly building somewhere other than the client, and only then until its built, abandoned or the design changes enough to make the rendering 'yesterday's news')? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trhoads Posted November 10, 2004 Share Posted November 10, 2004 we have had it happen with construction drawings before. a large (top 5) auto manufacturer insisted we turn over all construction drawings and documents on completion of their executive offices. we were not allowed to use it for marketing, and files for the project were to be destroyed (beyond what we had already given them). Are you in an architect's office? If you are, the architect has to keep the files, it is required. The architect is responsible for the building for the life of the building, or until significant alterations to the original building, supercede teh original plans. If a lawsuit ever came up, you would have to be able to produce the record drawigns to defend yourself. We still have drawings from buildings done 20 years ago. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crazy Homeless Guy Posted November 10, 2004 Share Posted November 10, 2004 Are you in an architect's office? If you are, the architect has to keep the files, it is required. The architect is responsible for the building for the life of the building, or until significant alterations to the original building, supercede teh original plans. If a lawsuit ever came up, you would have to be able to produce the record drawigns to defend yourself. We still have drawings from buildings done 20 years ago. we are a relatively large experienced firm. the project was slightly before i started working here, so i don't know all of the logistics of the contract, but i am sure there were lawyers involved, and i am sure there is a record set that is locked up somewhere. i just know that the company did not want any chance that anyone knew what was going on in their executive offices. the risk that someone could work here solely to gain access to their plans was to great. to the extent that their main conference room had to be suspended and floating to eliminate the possibility of a competitor somehow listening. don't ask me how it worked, or if it was just so it could be inspected from all sides. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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