When a giant in the construction industry, like Ebert, fails it
affects a large part of the sector and leaves much to deal with and
be concerned about. Will subcontractors be paid? Who will complete
the unfinished construction project? But also of potential
importance is who owns the plans and designs for any partially
completed construction project and can new developers or
contractors freely use them? Behind all building and civil works
will be an idea or concept. This will likely be followed by
sketches, technical drawings and design plans. While it is not
possible to claim copyright in an idea, the expression of the ideas
or concepts (in the form of drawings and diagrams for example) is
protected by copyright – provided the work is original. So
using someone else's engineering or architectural plans without
authorisation may land you in Court and expose you to
liability.
