Architect of the World

Drafting Respect

The World Institute of Architects have filed an international copyright on the term “architect.” The target of the copyright is the devaluation of the term and misuse by appropriation by other professions or uses beyond the architectural design profession.  Examples of the misuse include ‘software architect’, ‘architect of destruction’, ‘architect of the weapons of mass destruction’, ‘architect of the turnaround’ and similar appropriations. This is in line with the typical state licensing protected definition of labeling oneself an architect without the supporting state license.  Similarly, the title ‘architect’ is protected by law in the United Kingdom and its misuse is a criminal offence. Only those on the Architects Register in the United Kingdom can legally use the title ‘architect’ in a professional context.

The appropriation has set the stage for other groups to protect their nomenclature.  A group of angel supporters have protested the use of “angel of death” and the Society of Medical Professional Integrity have raised complaint against DC Comics for Doctor Death and Marvel Comics for Doctor Doom and Doctor Devastation.   The legal profession has successfully protected its name of attorney and lawyer, and dentists have not received any name misuse despite the universal fear of going to dentist.