Copyright infringement has become a pressing issue in the architectural profession, particularly in Nigeria, where weak enforcement mechanisms and legal loopholes have allowed unauthorized use of architectural designs to flourish. This study investigates the prevalence, impact, and enforcement challenges of copyright infringement in architectural practice in Enugu. The research adopts a quantitative survey approach, using structured questionnaires to collect data from 30 respondents, including architects, legal professionals, and regulatory representatives.The findings reveal that 65% of architects surveyed have experienced some form of copyright infringement, with unauthorized reproduction of blueprints (40%) and adaptation of design concepts without permission (35%) being the most common forms. The study further highlights that 60% of affected architects reported financial losses due to unauthorized use of their designs, while 45% noted that infringement discourages innovation. Despite 60% of respondents being aware of existing copyright laws, weak institutional support (47%), legal loopholes (33%), and high litigation costs (20%) pose significant challenges to enforcement.The study concludes that a combination of stronger legal enforcement, professional advocacy, and the adoption of digital protection tools is necessary to curb architectural copyright infringement. Key recommendations include stricter implementation of intellectual property laws, increased awareness campaigns, and technological solutions such as blockchain and watermarking to protect original designs. This research contributes to the growing discourse on architectural intellectual property rights and provides actionable insights for policymakers, professional bodies, and architects in Nigeria.
Igwe et al. (Fri,) studied this question.