cad files and the law

This article covers one that I found.

That sux.

It really does suk.

I have entered agreements that required "electronic files" as part of the deliverables. Unless they specifically request 'cad' files..all I give them is an ascii file. You want lines, connect the dots.

> It really does suk.
>
> I have entered agreements that required "electronic files" as part of the deliverables. Unless they specifically request 'cad' files..all I give them is an ascii file. You want lines, connect the dots.

Lol, now THAT is clever... :good:

I use custom linetypes, but they can get around that.

How about releasing the file with everything on one layer and in one color? It drives me nuts when I get a drawing like that.

Colleagues-

In a nutshell, what does this program do and has anyone tried CADLock ?

from

cad files and the law

This article covers one that I found.

Thank you

Derek

Here's whatcha do:

WBlock the entire dwg to a temp file, create a UCS that is seriously rotated and inclined to the WCS, and insert/explode the temp file. Do a Plan>Current, and whahlaa. It will plot fine but is otherwise useless.

Aren't I sneaky...? 😉

If it just says electronic files, then consider a PDF version of the cad file.

I do regularly provide cad files, but have a statement in the contract and on the map that the files are supplied as a courtesy, and that the signed and stamped map is our work product/report.

I looked at the summary, but not the whole case mentioned below. So putting on my attorney hat here's my thoughts. This is a contract issue. If a contract is poorly written and not specific, the court is going to interpret it based on the purpose of the contract, what is common in the industry, and what may have happening in previous contracts between the two parties. In the case mentioned the purpose of the contract was to provide data for a master plan for future work. In today's world wouldn't you expect that to include giving your client (not a nonclient) documents that are in a usable electronic format for the client to give out for future bids on the client's projects? The lesson is be specific in your contracts. Don't rely on a vague term such as "electronic" documents and think you are always going to get to be the one to decide what electronic means. And don't think that if electronic documents isn't mentioned you don't have to provide them. The decision will be made on what is common in the industry based on the purpose of the contract. If you don't want to give out your CAD files make sure your contract states that.

Hopefully, that made sense.

Evelyn

Whoops, guess that should have been case mentioned above.