What rights exist in a “Work of Architecture”?
Copyright includes the right to control the erection of any building that reproduces the whole or a substantial part of the work. Section 186 Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines states this applies to the original form or a recognizably derived version. However, this right does not extend to controlling the reconstruction or rehabilitation of a building in the same style. This protects the original design while allowing for necessary maintenance. “SEC. 186. Work of Architecture. – Copyright in a work of architecture shall include the right to control the erection of any building which reproduces the whole or a substantial part of the work either in its original form or in any form recognizably derived from the original; Provided, That the copyright in any such work shall not include the right to control the reconstruction or rehabilitation in the same style as the original of a building to which that copyright relates. (n)” January 7, 2026About Nicolas and De Vega Law Offices
Nicolas and De Vega Law Offices is a full-service law firm in the Philippines. You may visit us at the 16th Flr., Suite 1607 AIC Burgundy Empire Tower, ADB Ave., Ortigas Center, 1605 Pasig City, Metro Manila, Philippines. You may also call us at +632 84706126, +632 84706130, +632 84016392 or e-mail us at [email protected]. Visit our website https://ndvlaw.com/.
