4 ms·

The upload form clearly states Make sure you have permission to use the floor plan you are uploading.

• brudgers 15y ago
  That's not the same as Google making sure Google has permission to use them. Standard AIA contract language allows the owner to utilize the plans to construct their project. The author (architect) retains copyright.
  • gridspy 15y ago
    Blueprints specify the fabric of the building. All Google needs is a symbolic layout which is just a subset of that.
  • esrauch 15y ago
    IANAL but it seems to be that the layout of a particular existing building is factual information and therefore cannot be copyrighted, just like the location of streets cannot be copyrighted. I guess it's slightly more hairy because architecture is considered to be artistic as well as functional, whereas street layouts are generally only considered to be functional, but I still think that would stand.
    • brudgers 15y ago
      In the US, architectural designs can be protected by copyright, but it is uncommon. On the other hand, architectural drawings(aka "blueprints") are automatically protected by copyright as soon as they are published.