Second Circuit Clarifies Copyright Protection for Architectural Works and Drawings

David M. Kohane and Adam J. Sklar, August 22, 2012 Until 1990, federal law extended copyright protection to original architectural drawings, but generally did not extend such protection to actual buildings, even buildings constructed from protected drawings.  The drawings were protected from copying as “pictorial” or “graphic” works, just like any sketch or painting.  The… Continue reading Second Circuit Clarifies Copyright Protection for Architectural Works and Drawings

Expert Testimony Explaining how Engineer’s Conduct Fell below the Standard of Care is Necessary to Establish Negligence

A technical breach by an engineer of its design professional agreement may not be enough to establish that the engineer is negligent. As the City of Huntington Woods learned in Huntington Woods v. Orchard, Hiltz & McCliment, 2012 Mich App. LEXIS 879, expert testimony may be required to establish that an engineer’s contract breach amounts… Continue reading Expert Testimony Explaining how Engineer’s Conduct Fell below the Standard of Care is Necessary to Establish Negligence

Tips for Construction Defect Plaintiff Attorneys, and more… | The A/E/C Brief

Brian L. Hill – August 6, 2012 As I mentioned in my last newsletter, I attended LiMa Solutions’ VE-ADR 2012 conference in Key West, FL. This week, I am publishing the first in a series of posts with key take-away from the event. The first article is VE-ADR 2012: Emerging Strategies for Successful Construction Defect… Continue reading Tips for Construction Defect Plaintiff Attorneys, and more… | The A/E/C Brief

To Appeal, or not to Appeal: Good Faith Settlement Determinations

Seth Reagan – July 25, 2012 In lawsuits involving multiple defendants, it is not unusual for the plaintiff to settle with one or more of the defendants as the lawsuit progresses. If, after a hearing, the court determines that such a settlement was made in good faith, a settling defendant is exempt from any claims… Continue reading To Appeal, or not to Appeal: Good Faith Settlement Determinations

Cost of Construction Disputes Going Down

Julie D. Goldstein – July 24, 2012 A recent study and report by ARCADIS found that construction disputes in the U.S. lasted an average of 14.4 months in 2011, compared to 11.4 months in 2010.  In contrast, the global average was only 10.6 months, and specifically disputes in the U.K. were resolved at only 8.7 months. … Continue reading Cost of Construction Disputes Going Down

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