I know this isn’t exactly the right place, but I’m looking for sales/legal advice. I work in the event design space and I create many custom-made Sketchup models for existing venues that never have 3D models and often no CAD files.
So my question is can I make a website to sell the models that I made from scratch? And would people be interested in purchasing pre-made, time-saving, high-quality models?
I know no one here is likely a lawyer but if you have any idea how I could figure out the legality of selling the models online that would be super helpful! Thanks, much appreciated!
I’m an architect, not a lawyer, but my understanding of copyright law implemented in the '90’s is that an architect not only owns a copyright to his drawings, but the building itself. Modeling an existing commercial building that undoubtedly had an architect and selling the results for profit is probably a problem. That said, it’s common practice for interiors, renovations and additions to measure and draw an existing building as a part of one’s professional service, so I’m not exactly sure.
Selling is better on these types of sites, if only because you don’t have to promote it. It has a lot of regular customers and new ones are coming. Unfortunately, these services charge high commissions. The one from the link up to 60%
One note. If you work for a company as an employee, you have no right to sell these models. They are company property. Copyrights are divided into transferable and non-transferable. The former include property rights. The second non-property. Is that the company cannot say that it is the author. The fact that you are an actor, you can always be proclaimed to all and sundry - this is one of the inalienable rights.
depends on the country you’re living in, on the laws regarding copyright, on the age of your building, on weather or not you have the authorisation from the owner / user of the building…
depends.
a local lawyer versed in intellectual property might help more than a community forum.
The US has pretty stringent copyright laws that protect Architect’s work. So strict that when I do any remodel I always get the permission in writing from the original architect if possible. I also give credit to the original architect on the documents or any presentation of the final work on my website or any other marketing material.
So, as suggested, tread carefully if the original work was designed by a licensed architect in the US.
I am not in the US but isn’t this also a contract issue? Where I live, big clients demand that the architect gives the owner all related documentation including 3D models and BIM files and the right to use them in building maintenance and renovations.
I have to add that I seem to have been in the business sufficiently long so that a couple of things I designed have already been pulled down, and one moved (!). No one has asked my permission, and I didn’t expect them to do so.
In the US we can assign that use via contract but the copyright remains with the architect. The copyright only applies to licensed architects for all work completed after 1990.
This is why giving credit to original architects is pretty crucial when designing remodels and additions.
Everyone, thanks for your sage advice! I’ll definitely talk to a lawyer about this. But do you think people would be interested in buying good quality models of existing venues? It would save a lot of time for designers. There is this website for 3D models of sports complexes around the world. The models are very Sketchup-friendly and come in a variety of formats - https://geniusandgerry.com. I buy models from there sometimes, because it’s crazy to build an arena from scratch with the timelines I deal with!
if it’s for event organising, it might be better to go sell your talents to the venues themselves. and offer a design package they can, in turn, offer, to the event organisers.
Because beyond that, I don’t see myself buying a high quality 3d model of a venue unless I have to do some work inside it. and considering the renting price, I’d kinda expect the venue to provide it, same as when they provide 2DCAD plans. Or at least offer it in option.
I can see having models of concert halls as well, since a lot of touring bands have big sets they truck around, and knowing the layout would help them in their planning.
G
yes. and I’ve made such models when organising events. But I wouldn’t think of selling them on a freestanding platform without asking permission to the venue. And the venue would probably answer no, because of security reasons, same reasons they don’t provide their dwg/pdf plans online.
A touring band would indeed need the plans and or 3d, but they would expect the venue to provide it. and venues provide it, at least 2d dwg.
I mean, between a model provided by the venue, and one bought online somewhere, I know what I would trust more too.
It can’t be that difficult to reach out to the different venus with some sample models you’ve done, and offer them your services. There must be hundreds of them if not thousands. They could sell the acts your model and give you a commission.
there is a new studio complex being built in St. Louis that is going to have three size venues. the idea is for acts to rent the halls and setup there stages for various size venues. they can then test the lighting stage direction and sound based on the size of the venues to be played on tour. Gateway Studios (https://www.gsps.com/) might be interested in your models.
