Hi. We had plans drawn up by an architect for an extension. Once the cost of the extension was established, we had to go back to the architect and ask for them to be redone as the cost was double our budget (architect was aware). The architect refused until we agreed to pay the cost of the original drawings, which we refused to do as they were of no use to us. There is no contract in place, but we have exchanged a lot of emails.Â*
As we were desperate for the plans to get through planning, I amended the plans myself and submitted them to the council. Turns out the architect is not happy about this and says we have breached copyright. He has now asked the council to remove the plans (which they have done) as they are in the public domain. I've been very pleasant all along, asking to meet the architect and resolve this. However I do not agree we should pay for the original plans until we have assurance the architect will help us. The architect has also threatened to take us to the small claims court if we don't pay within the next 14 days.Â*
What are my rights on this? In law, have I entered a contract by engaging with the architect?Â*
The copyright issue is another matter, which I will have to deal with seperately unless anyone has any advice!
Thanks so much.Â*
As we were desperate for the plans to get through planning, I amended the plans myself and submitted them to the council. Turns out the architect is not happy about this and says we have breached copyright. He has now asked the council to remove the plans (which they have done) as they are in the public domain. I've been very pleasant all along, asking to meet the architect and resolve this. However I do not agree we should pay for the original plans until we have assurance the architect will help us. The architect has also threatened to take us to the small claims court if we don't pay within the next 14 days.Â*
What are my rights on this? In law, have I entered a contract by engaging with the architect?Â*
The copyright issue is another matter, which I will have to deal with seperately unless anyone has any advice!
Thanks so much.Â*
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