Project is client's but plans, concepts belong to architect, despite misperception
By KERRY L. SMITH

   Architects and attorneys agree that although the finished product belongs to their client, the designs and concepts that were created therein are the copyrighted possession of the architect and/or the architectural firm.
   Michael Lefferson, president of Alton-based architecture firm Lefferson & Associates Inc., says there is a misperception among some in commercial development. They believe that when a professional firm is engaged to design a facility, the fee paid for that project also includes the right to the plans - and the right to duplicate those plans in the form of future projects in other locations.
   "We have had clients request that I relinquish all the rights to my drawings so they could build the same building in multiple locations with no further fee payment," said Lefferson. "Even using a very specific color scheme or specific usage of materials on an interior can be at issue, if it can be considered a reasonable facsimile to what you created. Our contracts state that the drawings and specifications are the property of the architectural firm, and compensation is due for the continued use/reuse of the [continue]