_Dear Sirs_,--Please answer through the columns of your valuable journal
the following:
I will designate A as the party for whom I drew plans, etc., B as the
owner of property adjoining, and C as the contractor for A. I drew up
plans and specifications for a 60' 0" front by 60' 0" deep building for
A, including party-wall for A and B who has 35' 0" front by 60' 0" deep
lot. I was employed to render full services, such as to draw up plans,
specifications, details and superintend the construction of said
building for A.
A wrote to me asking me whether I would allow B to use my plans and
specifications to be copied. I answered, emphatically, that not under
any circumstances would I allow it without compensation, as the plans,
etc., were my property, and were only designed for A.
A let the contract for erection and completion of the building to C, I
having made the articles of agreement for same.
In the meantime I was notified that B and C were taking sub-bids for
the erection of the 35' 0" building, all with my plans and
specifications. They were taking the sub-bids from the same parties that
were to do the work for C on the building for A. B let C build the 35'
0" building.
I notified B and C that I will collect my commission on the construction
and completion of their building, to which notices I have no reply.
The 35' 0" building was commenced at the same time as the building for
A; my plans, specifications and details were used for the building by
the same sub-contractors, etc.
The buildings are now nearly complete, and the building for B or the 85'
0" building is a portion of the building designed for A with slight
variations made by C.
I think the above to be very explicit; and now, gentlemen, I would like
to ask you for your opinion as to my compensation, and to what extent I
am entitled to it.
Yours very respectfully,