The Supreme Court recently ruled that Georgia may not copyright its entire official code, which includes both the state’s laws and annotations interpreting them.
The ruling pertained to a case filed by the state objecting to Public.Resource.Org’s initiative to put the entire code online. The group aims to make government materials more accessible.
The state sued for copyright infringement, claiming that the laws were public property, but that the annotations that provide updates to statutes were not. A commission created by the legislature was the author of the annotations, so the annotations could not be copyrighted, according to Chief Justice John Roberts.
Roberts wrote that the annotations often offered important guidance. Other entities such as UpCodes are trying to simplify compliance with building codes. UpCodes is creating AI for code checking in Revit, and what it describes as “the first modern search engine for building codes.” State copyrights of codes complicate this effort.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Feb 2, 2021
Biden tells OSHA to bolster COVID-19 safety rules
Order could lead to a national playbook for fighting COVID-19 on jobsites.
Codes and Standards | Feb 1, 2021
Fenestration Alliance updates standard for mulled combination assemblies
Last updated in 2010, document describes procedures and requirements for air leakage, water resistance, and structural performance.
Codes and Standards | Jan 28, 2021
Natl. Fire Protection Assn. releases new energy storage system fact sheet
Comes as Biden Administration prepares ambitious clean energy agenda.
Codes and Standards | Jan 27, 2021
AECOM sues insurance carrier for payment of COVID-19 property damage claims
Claims ‘all-risk policies’ should have included millions of dollars of losses due to virus.
Codes and Standards | Jan 26, 2021
Updated guide to repair and rehabilitate existing concrete structures published
Document assesses how to adhere to code requirements.
Codes and Standards | Jan 25, 2021
New guide for skylight selection, daylighting design released
Free Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance document now available.
Codes and Standards | Jan 21, 2021
California considers statewide ban on natural gas heat, hot water in new homes
Code update would take effect in 2023.
Codes and Standards | Jan 20, 2021
Steel industry, labor urge Biden to retain steel tariffs
‘Essential to ensuring the viability of the domestic steel industry.’
Codes and Standards | Jan 19, 2021
2021 Solar Investment Tax Credit will remain at 26%
Incentive was scheduled to be reduced to 22%.
Codes and Standards | Jan 19, 2021
Thomas Jefferson University launches the Institute for Smart and Healthy Cities
Will address climate change, social equity, rapid urbanization, and health.
