Yes copyright law most certainly does protect architectural designs of buildings and its plans.
Protection of architecture works within the Copyright Act of 1976 was largely influenced by an international agreement to which the United States is a signatory. As a result of treaty obligations, Congress in addition to the Copyright Act of 1976 enacted additional federal legislation specifically covering such designs and works.
With that said, there have been legal battles and actions for copyright infringement over such issues in courts across the nation. Even before the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976 and the treaty obligations and subsequent legislation, courts had addressed legal battles noting that copying in whole or in part may result in copyright infringement for architectural drawings of the originator.
We recently advised a company regarding this particular issue in question, when the question of protection of architectural designs of buildings and plans was raised and any resulting infringement by third parties.
Your best bet is to consult with an attorney that has experience with copyright law. This attorney shouldhave a good understanding of the complexities of your matter and can provide a legal consultation and analysis of your situation.
