Zalewski v. T.P. Builders, Inc.
Zalewski v. T.P. Builders, Inc.
Opinion of the Court
MEMORANDUM-DECISION AND ORDER
I. Introduction
Plaintiffs James Zalewski and Draftics, Ltd. commenced this action
II. Background
A. Underlying Facts
In the early and mid-1990s, James Zalewski, the president, sole shareholder and draftsman for Draftics, Ltd., created home designs DRA210, DRA211, DRA212, DRA216, DRA217 and DRA313. (See 3d Am. Compl. ¶¶ 17, 22.) Although Zalewski did not immediately register these designs with the United States Copyright Office, he provided T.P. with copies of them. (See id. ¶¶ 23-29, 38.) Between 1993 and 1998, plaintiffs claim that T.P. advertised their designs and sold several houses in accordance with them. (See id. ¶ 41.) However, in 1998, plaintiffs assert that T.P. ceased using Draftics’ services, yet continued to advertise and build homes based on their drawings. {See id. ¶ 42.)
Plaintiffs now allege that defendants constructed in excess of twenty homes which infringed their copyrighted designs. {See generally id. ¶¶ 32-94.) Specifically, they claim that in addition to “literal copying,” the infringing homes “copy the overall form, look and feel ..., the floor plans ..., the elevation views ..., the arrangement and composition of spaces and architectural features ..., [and] the selection, coordination, and arrangement of rooms, windows, doors, closets, stairs and other
B. The Works
In general, plaintiffs’ works depict Colonial .home plans, consisting of elevation views and/or floor plans. (See Dkt. No. 138, Attachs. 1-7.) Each has been registered with the United States Copyright Office as evidenced by the certificates of registration attached to the Third Amended Complaint. (See id.) According to the certificates, DRA210 was first published on December 31, 1994 and registered on October 14, 2009, (see id., Attach. 1); DRA211 was first published on December 31, 1994 and registered on October 14, 2009, (see id., Attach. 2); DRA212 was first published on December 31, 1994 and registered on October 14, 2009, (see id., Attach. 3); DRA216 (home plan) was completed in 1996 and registered on November 13, 2007, (see id., Attach. 4); DRA216 (technical drawings) was completed in 1996 and registered on November 13, 2007, (see id., Attach. 5); DRA217 was first published on December 31, 1997 and registered on October 14, 2009, (see id., Attach. 6); and DRA313 was first published on December 31, 1996 and registered on October 14, 2009, (see id., Attach. 7).
C. Procedural History
Plaintiffs initially commenced this action in July 2010 against multiple defendants, including the builders, realtors and homeowners of the accused homes. (See Compl., Dkt. No. 1.) After various consultations with Magistrate Judge Randolph F. Treece, and the filing of a Second Amended Complaint, only T.P., Cicero, DeRaven, Sofia, Shelroc,
In a Memorandum-Decision and Order dated August 6, 2011, the court dismissed plaintiffs’ Second Amended Complaint, but granted them leave to file a Third Amended Complaint. (See Dkt. No. 133.) Plaintiffs’ elected to do so, and filed their Third Amended Complaint on September 1, 2011. (See 3d Am. Compl..) Inexplicably, plaintiffs voluntarily dismissed Shelroc and Cicero from the action,
After reviewing the parties’ submissions, the court granted Cillis, DeRaven and Sofia’s motions, holding that “plaintiffs’ and defendants’ works are not substantially similar.” (Dkt. No. 168 at 10.) However, T.P.’s motion for partial summary judgment, which did not address substantial similarity, was denied as premature. (See id. at 10-12.) Thus, plaintiffs’ causes of action for copyright infringement of architectural works against T.P., and unauthorized removal of copyright notices against T.P. and Cicero, survived. (See 3d Am.
III. Standard of Review
The standard of review under Fed.R.Civ.P. 56 is well established and will not be repeated here. For a full discussion of the standard, the court refers the parties to its decision in Wagner v. Swarts, 827 F.Supp.2d 85, 92-93 (N.D.N.Y. 2011).
IV. Discussion
To establish copyright infringement, “a plaintiff with a valid copyright must demonstrate that: (1) the defendant has actually copied the plaintiffs work; and (2) the copying is illegal because a substantial similarity exists between the defendant’s work and the protectible elements of plaintiffs.” Peter F. Gaito Architecture, LLC v. Simone Dev. Corp., 602 F.3d 57, 63 (2d Cir. 2010) (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). Stated another way, a plaintiff must first establish the validity of his copyright, and then, “that the defendant, without authorization, copied the protected work.” Charles W. Ross Builder, Inc. v. Olsen Fine Home Bldg., LLC, 827 F.Supp.2d 607, 616-17 (E.D.Va. 2011). Evidence of access and substantial similarity will suffice where actual copying cannot be proven. See id. (citing Keeler Brass Co. v. Cont’l Brass Co., 862 F.2d 1063, 1065 (4th Cir. 1988)).
Relying on the court’s previous decision, T.P. and Cicero argue that plaintiffs’ causes of action for copyright infringement fail as a matter of law because the accused properties are not substantially similar to plaintiffs’ architectural works. (See Dkt. No. 176, Attach. 1 at 5-8; Dkt. No. 177, Attach. 6 at 2-6.) In response, plaintiffs assert that the court’s previous decision constituted legal error. (See Dkt. No. 181 at 19-20.) Specifically, plaintiffs take exception with the court’s failure to address the originality of their works, and request that the prior decision be ignored or amended. (See id.) Furthermore, they aver that there are genuine issues of material fact with respect to the question of substantial similarity, and finally, that summary judgment is premature. (See id. at 13-18, 22-23.)
Addressing first the purported error in the court’s previous decision, plaintiffs challenge the accuracy and completeness of the substantial similarity analysis. (See id. at 5-12, 19-20.) While the conclusion was correct, (see Dkt. No. 168 at 9-10), the steps in the substantial similarity analysis were not fully articulated. Thus, for the sake of clarity, the court exercises its discretion to amend only the reasoning in its previous decision to include the full analysis discussed below.
A. Propriety of Summary Judgment
Plaintiffs argue first that the court cannot weigh the evidence in deciding the pending motions. (See Dkt. No. 181 at 13.)
With respect to the need for discovery, plaintiffs’ previously cross-moved for summary judgment on the basis of substantial similarity.
While traditionally reserved for the trier of fact, “[t]he question of substantial similarity is by no means exclusively reserved for resolution by a jury.” Gaito Architecture, 602 F.3d at 63. Indeed, “it is entirely appropriate for a district court to resolve that question as a matter of law, [where] ... ‘no reasonable jury, properly instructed, could find that the two works are substantially similar.’ ” Id. (quoting Warner Bros. Inc. v. Am. Broad. Cos., 720 F.2d 231, 240 (2d Cir. 1983)). Because “the works themselves supersede and control contrary descriptions of them,” Walker v. Time Life Films, Inc., 784 F.2d 44, 52 (2d Cir. 1986), discovery is unnecessary, where, as here, the court can conduct the requisite visual comparison. Gaito Architecture, 602 F.3d at 64. Moreover, in the case of architectural works — which are akin to compilations
Here, the parties provided the copyrighted works, (see Dkt. No. 138, Attachs. 1-7), the allegedly infringing works, (see, e.g., Dkt. No. 176, Attachs. 3-24; Dkt. No. 177, Attachs. 4-5; Dkt. No. 181, Attachs. 2-3), images of the exteriors of the as-built homes, (see Dkt. No. 181, Attach. 4), and screenshots of the relevant websites, (see Dkt. No. 181, Attachs. 5-12). Despite their contrary position in the face of T.P. and Cicero’s motions, plaintiffs repeatedly stated that “[w]hen a court is called upon to consider whether the works are substantially similar, only a visual comparison of the works is required.” (Dkt. No. 158, Attach. 1 at 13; Dkt. No. 159, Attach. 1 at 12; Dkt. No. 160, Attach. 1 at 10 (emphasis added)). Given the technical nature of the inquiry before it, and the comprehensive submissions by the parties, the court is not only capable of conducting the requisite visual comparison, but also better suited to do so. See Gaito Architecture, 602 F.3d at 64; Intervest, 554 F.3d at 920.
B. Availability and Scope of Copyright Protection
Turning to the issue of originality, plaintiffs aver that T.P. and Cicero conceded that their works are original. (See Dkt. No. 181 at 7-8.) T.P.’s reply refutes this claim, arguing that it challenged the originality of the works in its previous motion
1. Prima Facie Evidence of Validity
Establishing copyright infringement requires proof that the plaintiff owns a valid copyright, and “ ‘copying of constituent elements of the work that are original.’ ” Boisson v. Banian, Ltd., 273 F.3d 262, 267 (2d Cir. 2001) (quoting Feist Publ’ns, Inc. v. Rural Tel. Serv. Co., 499 U.S. 340, 361, 111 S.Ct. 1282, 113 L.Ed.2d 358 (1991)). Normally, these requirements are satisfied by the certificate of copyright registration, which, if “ ‘made before or within five years after first publication of the work’ ” constitutes “ ‘prima facie evidence of the validity of the copyright ... and of the facts stated in the certificate.’ ” 17 U.S.C. § 410(c). But, whereas here, the certificates were issued more than five years after the date of first publication, (see Dkt. No. 138, Attachs. 1-7), “[t]he evidentiary weight to be accorded [to them] ... shall be within the discretion of the court.” 17 U.S.C. § 410(c). When considered in light of “the Copyright Office’s practice of summarily issuing registrations,” Universal Furniture Int’l, Inc. v. Collezione Europa USA, Inc., 618 F.3d 417, 428 (4th Cir. 2010), the certificates here are, standing alone, insufficient. See Home Design Servs., Inc. v. Starwood Constr., Inc., 801 F.Supp.2d 1111, 1116-17 (D.Colo. 2011); CJ Prods. LLC v. Snuggly Plushez LLC, 809 F.Supp.2d 127, 143 (E.D.N.Y. 2011). As such, the burden remains with plaintiffs to establish the validity and originality of their drawings.
Here, the validity of the registrations is uncontested as neither T.P. nor Cicero challenges plaintiffs’ compliance with, inter alia, 37 C.F.R. § 202.11. Absent evidence to the contrary, the court accepts, for the purposes of these motions, that plaintiffs’ registrations are valid. However, in light of T.P.’s argument regarding the lack of originality, the court must determine whether plaintiffs’ works are entitled to copyright protection.
2. Originality of Home Plans
Originality is “ ‘the sine qua non of copyright,’ ” as copyright protection only extends to the “components of a work that are original to the author.” Boisson, 273 F.3d at 268 (quoting Feist, 499 U.S. at 348, 111 S.Ct. 1282). While originality is not synonymous with novelty or uniqueness, the work in question must be “independently created by its author, ... not copied from pre-existing works, and ... come[] from the exercise of the creative powers of the author’s mind.” Id. Simply put, the work must be independently created, and possess “at least some minimal degree of creativity.” Feist, 499 U.S. at 345, 111 S.Ct. 1282; see Axelrod & Cherveny Architects, P.C. v. Winmar Homes, No. 2:05-cv-711-ENV-ETB, 2007 WL 708798, at *9 (E.D.N.Y. Mar. 6, 2007) (“For better or worse, courts have not required an ‘especially elevated’ level of originality in the architectural realm.”).
S. Conceptual Nature of Plaintiffs’ Home Plans
Clearly, unoriginal works are unprotectable. See Boisson, 273 F.3d at 268. “Likewise an element within a work may be unprotectible even if other elements, or the work as a whole, warrant protection.” Id. Where the material is “in the public domain,” id., or is merely an idea, concept or process, copyright protection — “even against intentional copying”— is unavailable. Attia v. Soc’y of the N.Y. Hosp., 201 F.3d 50, 53-54 (2d Cir. 1999); see 17 U.S.C. § 102(b) (codifying nonprotectible subject-matter). However, an author’s expression of an idea is protected. See Attia, 201 F.3d at 54. Though no bright-line rule exists, “the inquiry often turns on the level of abstraction or generalization of the works being compared.” Id.
In the realm of functional works, such as architectural drawings, distinguishing between ideas and expressions is especially challenging. See id. at 55. Generally, “notions of where to place functional elements, ... and what methods of construction and principles of engineering to rely on” are unprotected. Id. Conversely, a designer who appropriates both those ideas and “the author’s personal expression of them” may be liable for infringement. Id.
In Attia, 201 F.3d at 56, the Second Circuit distinguished between architectural drawings that were sufficiently specific to enable construction, and those that were not. Although the Circuit disavowed the notion that “only final construction drawings can contain protected expression,” it characterized the following as “rough ideas of a general nature”:
The placement of a new building, the use of truss technology to transfer weight, the alignment of floor heights and corridors, the creation of a continuous traffic loop through the hospital complex, the placement of emergency services and ambulance parking along that roadway, the location of a pedestrian area and of mechanical equipment, [and] the arrangement of space on particular floors[.]
Id. at 56-57. Calling the plaintiffs drawings “highly preliminary and generalized,” the Circuit held that the “allegedly copied
Here, the home plans for DRA212, DRA216a and DRA313, are best described as sketches, not plans. (See Dkt. No. 138, Attachs. 2, 4, 7.) When compared to either T.P.’s allegedly infringing plans, (see Dkt. No. 176, Attachs. 3-24), or even the remainder of plaintiffs’, (see Dkt. No. 138, Attachs. 1, 3, 5-6), the conceptual nature of these drawings is readily apparent. Despite Zalewski’s claim to the contrary, (see Dkt. No. 181 at 9, Attach. 1 ¶ 31), DRA212, DRA216a and DRA313 “are barely a first step toward the realization of a plan,”
A Scope of Copyright Protection
“Copyright protection extends to ‘original works of authorship fixed in any tangible medium of expression.’ ” Olsen, 827 F.Supp.2d at 618 (citing 17 U.S.C. §§ 101-122). Following the passage of the Architectural Works Copyright Protection Act (AWCPA), “architectural works were added to the list of copyrightable works of authorship.” Axelrod, 2007 WL 708798, at *2 (citing 17 U.S.C. § 102(a)(8)); see 17 U.S.C. § 101 (defining an “architectural work” as “the design of a building as embodied in any tangible medium of expression, including a building, architectural plans, or drawings”). Although “the overall form as well as the arrangement and composition of spaces and elements” are included in the definition, “individual standard features, such as common windows, doors, and other staple building components,” H.R. Rep. No. 101-735 (1990), reprinted in 1990 U.S.C.C.A.N. 6935, 6949, are explicitly excluded. 17 U.S.C. § 101; see 37 C.F.R. § 202.11(d)(2) (noting that “[standard configurations of spaces” are noncopyrightable).
The scope of protection for architectural works is further limited by the “merger doctrine,” which recognizes that certain ideas “can only be expressed in a very limited number of ways.” Home Design, 801 F.Supp.2d at 1118-19. Likewise, design elements that are dictated by market forces, building codes and functional demands may also be unprotected. See id. at 1119. In spite of the restrictions on individual design elements, Congress’ inclusion of the phrase “arrangement and composition of spaces and elements” demonstrates their understanding that “creativity in architecture frequently takes the form of a selection, coordination, or arrangement of unprotectible elements into an original, protectible whole.” Intervest, 554 F.3d at 919. Thus, irrespective of the protection accorded to the individual design elements, “the gestalt of the plans” are protected. Axelrod, 2007 WL 708798, at *11 (internal quotation marks and citations omitted).
Relevantly, in Olsen, 827 F.Supp.2d at 613, the district court examined the history of Colonial architecture as a means of ascertaining design elements which were not copyrightable. Among other factors, the court noted that features that are “essential or common to the architectural style within which the builder designed the structure in question” are unprotected. Id. at 621. In Colonial Georgian architecture, such features include:
*146 a style generally characterized by symmetry; aligned windows; gambrel, gabled, or hipped roofs; paneled doors accentuated by classical pilasters and a proportioned, pedimented entablature; rectangular or half-round transom lights, side lights, and elliptical fanlights; double-hung windows typically six over six; and front entrances framed by pilasters and an entablature but no covered porch supported by columns.14 Id. at 613-14. Although the use of standard colonial features did not “render the copyrighted work unoriginal,” the district court held that the “heavy incorporation of this architectural style into its design ... substantially dampened] the degree of protection to which” the plaintiff was entitled. Id. at 619-20; accord Trek Leasing, Inc. v. United States, 66 Fed.Cl. 8, 13 (Fed.Cl. 2005) (stating that the “hallmarks of a popular architectural style ... are not protectable”).
In the instant case, plaintiffs’ Complaints make no reference to any single feature that is individually entitled to copyright protection.
At its core, this case hinges on a determination of substantial similarity. To prove unauthorized copying, plaintiffs “must establish ‘substantial similarity’ ” by showing: “(i) that it was protected expression in the earlier work that was copied and (ii) that the amount that was copied is ‘more than de minimis.’ ” Tufenkian Imp./Exp. Ventures, Inc. v. Einstein Moomjy, Inc., 338 F.3d 127, 131 (2d Cir. 2003) (quoting Castle Rock Entm’t, Inc. v. Carol Publ’g Grp., Inc., 150 F.3d 132, 137-38 (2d Cir. 1998)). Though the parties agree that this inquiry is dispositive, their submissions evidence conflicting views on how the test should be applied, what images should be considered, and ultimately, whether the works in question are substantially similar. The court addresses each of these arguments in turn.
1. Substantial Similarity in the Context of Architectural Works
To determine whether two works are substantially similar, courts normally apply the “ordinary observer test,” which asks “whether an ordinary observer, unless he set out to detect the disparities, would be disposed to overlook them, and regard [the] aesthetic appeal as the same.” Gaito Architecture, 602 F.3d at 66 (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). This test, however, concerns only those elements which are entitled to copyright protection. See Knitwaves, Inc. v. Lollytogs Ltd. (Inc.), 71 F.3d 996, 1002 (2d Cir. 1995). Necessarily then, a more discerning analysis — i.e., one focused on solely the protectible elements — is required for works that contain both protected and unprotected features. See Gaito Architecture, 602 F.3d at 66. Yet, infringement encompasses more than just literal copying. See id. “Where the alleged infringer has misappropriated the original way in which the author has selected, coordinated, and arranged the elements of his or her work,” this too constitutes unauthorized copying. Id. (internal quotation marks and citations omitted).
Notably, several courts have analogized architectural works to compilations. See Intervest, 554 F.3d at 919; Olsen, 827 F.Supp.2d at 619-20; Home Design, 801 F.Supp.2d at 1118. This analogy may not always be appropriate, particularly with respect to individual elements that are, standing alone, protectable. However, in this case — where the only copyrightable feature of plaintiffs’ works is the selection, coordination and arrangement of unprotected elements — consideration of the protection afforded to compilations is instructive.
In Intervest, the Eleventh Circuit highlighted that, in defining architectural works, Congress paralleled the definition of a “compilation” by including the phrase “ ‘the arrangement and composition of spaces and elements in the design.’ ” 554 F.3d at 919 (quoting 17 U.S.C. § 101 (defining a “compilation” as “a work formed by the collection and assembling of preexisting materials or of data that are selected, coordinated, or arranged in such a way that the resulting work as a whole constitutes an original work of authorship”). Since only the “architect’s original combination or arrangement” of uncopyrighted features deserved protection, the court labeled the work in question a compilation and applied “thin” copyright protection. Id. (internal quotation marks and citation omitted); accord Oravec v. Sunny Isles Luxury Ventures, L.C., 527 F.3d 1218, 1225 (11th Cir. 2008)).
Building on the Second Circuit’s guidance with respect to the need to compare the “total concept and overall feel” of the works, Gaito Architecture, 602 F.3d at 66 (internal quotation marks and citations
Here, none of the parties’ submissions provide an in-depth analysis of the substantial similarity test. (See generally Dkt. Nos. 176, Attach. 1; Dkt. No. 177, Attach. 6; Dkt. No. 181.) Nevertheless, plaintiffs raise a noteworthy point in their response with respect to the relevance of the dissimilarities between the works. (See Dkt. No. 181 at 18.) Specifically, plaintiffs argue that defendants’ recitation of differences
In general, plaintiffs are correct: “it is ‘entirely immaterial that, in many respects, plaintiffs and defendants’ works are dissimilar, if in other respects, similarity as to a substantial element of plaintiffs work can be shown.” Attia, 201 F.3d at 57-58 (quoting Nimmer § 13.03[B]). But, unlike plaintiffs, (see Dkt. No. 181 at 18), the Attia court did not stop with that statement; in fact, the very next sentence states: “Nonetheless, dissimilarity can be important in determining whether there is substantial similarity.” Attia, 201 F.3d at 58; see Durham Indus., Inc. v. Tomy Corp., 630 F.2d 905, 913 (2d Cir. 1980) (recognizing “that numerous differences tend to undercut substantial similarity”); Concrete Mach., 843 F.2d at 608 (stating that “when the points of dissimilarity not only exceed the points of similarity, but indicate that the remaining points of similarity are ... of minimal importance ... no infringement results”) (internal quotation marks and citations omitted); accord Dream Custom Homes, Inc. v. Modern Day Constr., Inc., 773 F.Supp.2d 1288, 1308 (M.D.Fla. 2011). Despite plaintiffs’ selective citation to Circuit precedent, in
In sum, due to the limited scope of protectable expression in plaintiffs’ works, the protection afforded is thin, see Feist, 499 U.S. at 349, 111 S.Ct. 1282, and a showing of near identity is required to prevail, see Concrete Mach., 843 F.2d at 606.
2. Use of Mirror Images in Visual Comparison
Before conducting the requisite visual comparisons, the court must address the propriety of using mirror images of plaintiffs’ works in determining substantial similarity. This issue arose after plaintiffs included side-by-side comparisons of both the copyrighted works, and mirror images of the elevation views and floor plans in their response. (See Dkt. No. 181, Attachs. 2-3.) Plaintiffs contend, albeit without citation to any authority whatsoever, that the “mirror imagefs] are one-in-the-same” as the original design. (Dkt. No. 181 at 13; see Dkt. No. 181, Attach. 1 ¶ 39.) In spite of T.P. and Cicero’s failure to address this point in their replies, (see generally Dkt. Nos. 182, 183), all parties
After reviewing the parties’ submissions, the court concludes that there is no bright-line rule on the use or relevance of mirror images. (See generally Dkt. Nos. 186-189.) Moreover, given the facts of this case, the court deems it inappropriate to pronounce one. Though the court is unwilling to endorse plaintiffs’ unsubstantiated assertion that the “mirror image[s] are one-in-the-same” as the original design, (Dkt. No. 181 at 13), the images are, in the context of this case, at least worthy of consideration.
3. Comparison of the Works in Question
The parties’ views on the issue of substantial similarity is obvious. Plaintiffs contend that the “infringing homes copy ... the floor plans[,] ... the elevation views[,] ... the arrangement and composition of spaces and architectural features[,] ... the selection, coordination, and arrangement of rooms, windows, doors, closets, stairs and other interior and exterior architectural features ..., and include literal copying of substantial portions of the copyrighted works.” (3d Am. Compl. ¶¶ 52, 80, 104, 131; Compl. ¶27, Dkt. No. 1, 11-cv-1156.) Quite simply, T.P. and Cicero disagree. So too does the court.
To aide in the substantial similarity analysis, the court received, among other things, affidavits from both plaintiffs and defendants discussing the similarities and differences in the competing works. (See Dkt. No. 181, Attach. 1; Dkt. No. 176, Attach. 2-28; see also Dkt. No. 149, Attach. 5-14; Dkt. No. 156, Attach. 1 ¶¶ 12-276.) Most importantly though, copies of all of the works in question, including exterior pictures of the as-built homes
(1) with respect to 37 Jo Ann Court, (see 3d Am. Compl. ¶¶ 46(a), 50), the court compared plaintiffs’ home plan, (see Dkt. No. 138, Attach. 6), to the plans for defendants’ home, (see Dkt. No. 176, Attach. 10), the side-by-side comparisons submitted by plaintiffs, (see Dkt. No. 181, Attach. 3 at 62-64), and to the image of the exterior of the as-built home, (see Dkt. No. 181, Attach. 4 at 22);
(2) with respect to 10 Peachtree Lane, (see 3d Am. Compl. ¶¶ 46(b), 50), the court compared plaintiffs’ home plan, (see Dkt. No. 138, Attach. 6), to the plans for defendants’ home, (see Dkt. No. 176, Attach. 11), the side-by-side comparisons submitted by plaintiffs, (see Dkt. No. 181, Attach. 3 at 53-55), and to the image of the exterior of the as-built home, (see Dkt. No. 181, Attach. 4 at 19);
(3) with respect to 6 Peachtree Lane, (see 3d Am. Compl. ¶¶ 46(c), 49), the court compared plaintiffs’ home plan, (see Dkt. No. 138, Attach. 2), to the plans for defendants’ home, (see Dkt. No. 176, Attach. 7), the side-by-side comparisons submitted by plaintiffs, (see Dkt. No. 181, Attach. 3 at 44 — 46), and to the image of the exterior of the as-built home, (see Dkt. No. 181, Attach. 4 at 16);
(4) with respect to 1 Peachtree Lane, (see 3d Am. Compl. ¶¶ 46(d), 49), the court compared plaintiffs’ home plan, (see Dkt. No. 138, Attach. 2), to the plans for defendants’ home, (see Dkt. No. 176, Attach. 6), the side-by-side comparisons submitted by plaintiffs, (see Dkt. No. 181, Attach. 3 at 41-43), and to the image of the exterior of the as-built home, (see Dkt. No. 181, Attach. 4 at 15);
(5) with respect to 5 Peachtree Lane, (see 3d Am. Compl. ¶¶ 46(e), 51), the court compared plaintiffs’ home plan, (see Dkt. No. 138, Attach. 7), to the plans for defendants’ home, (see Dkt. No. 176, Attach. 12), the side-by-side comparisons submitted by plaintiffs, (see Dkt. No. 181, Attach. 3 at 50-52), and to the image of the exterior of the as-built home, (see Dkt. No. 181, Attach. 4 at 18);
(6) with respect to 16 Peachtree Lane, (see 3d Am. Compl. ¶¶ 46(f), 49), the court compared plaintiffs’ home plan, (see Dkt. No. 138, Attach. 2), to the plans for defendants’ home, (see Dkt. No. 176, Attach. 8), the side-by-side comparisons submitted by plaintiffs, (see Dkt. No. 181, Attach. 3 at 47-49), and to the image of the exterior of the as-built home, (see Dkt. No. 181, Attach. 4 at 17);
(7) with respect to 14 Peachtree Lane, (see 3d Am. Compl. ¶¶ 46(g), 48), the court compared plaintiffs’ home plan, (see Dkt. No. 138, Attach. 1), to the plans for defendants’ home, (see Dkt. No. 176, Attach. 4), the side-by-side comparisons submitted by plaintiffs, (see Dkt. No. 181, Attach. 3 at 56-58), and to the image of the exterior of the as-built home, (see Dkt. No. 181, Attach. 4 at 20);
(8) with respect to 35 Jo Ann Court, (see 3d Am. Compl. ¶¶ 46(h), 48), the court compared plaintiffs’ home plan, (see Dkt. No. 138, Attach. 1), to the plans for defendants’ home, (see Dkt. No. 176, At*151 tach. 8), the side-by-side comparisons submitted by plaintiffs, (see Dkt. No. 181, Attach. 3 at 59-61), and to the image of the exterior of the as-built home, (see Dkt. No. 181, Attach. 4 at 21);
(9) with respect to 24 Arch Avenue, (see 3d Am. Compl. ¶¶ 46(1), 50), the court compared plaintiffs’ home plan, (see Dkt. No. 138, Attach. 6), to the plans for defendants’ home, (see Dkt. No. 176, Attach. 9), the side-by-side comparisons submitted by plaintiffs, (see Dkt. No. 181, Attach. 2 at 35-37), and to the image of the exterior of the as-built home, (see Dkt. No. 181, Attach. 4 at 13);
(10) with respect to 23 Thoroughbred Circle, (see 3d Am. Compl. ¶¶ 46(j), 48), the court compared plaintiffs’ home plan, (see Dkt. No. 138, Attach. 1), to the plans for defendants’ home, (see Dkt. No. 176, Attach. 5), the side-by-side comparisons submitted by plaintiffs, (see Dkt. No. 181, Attach. 3 at 65-67), and to the image of the exterior of the as-built home, (see Dkt. No. 181, Attach. 4 at 23);
(11) with respect to 23 Timber Lane, (see 3d Am. Compl. ¶¶ 77(a), 79), the court compared plaintiffs’ home plan, (see Dkt. No. 138, Attach. 6), to the plans for defendants’ home, (see Dkt. No. 176, Attach. 13), the side-by-side comparisons submitted by plaintiffs, (see Dkt. No. 181, Attach. 2 at 8-10), and to the image of the exterior of the as-built home, (see Dkt. No. 181, Attach. 4 at 4);
(12) with respect to 20 Timber Lane, (see 3d Am. Compl. ¶¶ 77(b), 79), the court compared plaintiffs’ home plan, (see Dkt. No. 138, Attach. 6), to the plans for defendants’ home, (see Dkt. No. 176, Attach. 14), the side-by-side comparisons submitted by plaintiffs, (see Dkt. No. 181, Attach. 2 at 6-7; Dkt. No. 185, Attach. 1 at 1), and to the image of the exterior of the as-built home, (see Dkt. No. 181, Attach. 4 at 3);
(13) with respect to 24 Timber Lane, (see 3d Am. Compl. ¶¶ 77(c), 79), the court compared plaintiffs’ home plan, (see Dkt. No. 138, Attach. 6), to the plans for defendants’ home, (see Dkt. No. 176, Attach. 15), the side-by-side comparisons submitted by plaintiffs, (see Dkt. No. 181, Attach. 2 at 11-13), and to the image of the exterior of the as-built home, (see Dkt. No. 181, Attach. 4 at 5);
(14) with respect to 57 Henderson Road, (see 3d Am. Compl. ¶¶ 77(d), 79), the court compared plaintiffs’ home plan, (see Dkt. No. 138, Attach. 6), to the plans for defendants’ home, (see Dkt. No. 176, Attach. 16), the side-by-side comparisons submitted by plaintiffs, (see Dkt. No. 181, Attach. 2 at 26-28), and to the image of the exterior of the as-built home, (see Dkt. No. 181, Attach. 4 at 10);
(15) with respect to 71 Patterson Drive, (see 3d Am. Compl. ¶¶ 77(e), 79), the court compared plaintiffs’ home plan, (see Dkt. No. 138, Attach. 6), to the plans for defendants’ home, (see Dkt. No. 176, Attach. 17), the side-by-side comparisons submitted by plaintiffs, (see Dkt. No. 181, Attach. 2 at 23-25), and to the image of the exterior of the as-built home, (see Dkt. No. 181, Attach. 4 at 9);
(16) with respect to 42 Patterson Drive, (see 3d Am. Compl. ¶¶ 77(f), 79), the court compared plaintiffs’ home plan, (see Dkt. No. 138, Attach. 6), to the plans for defendants’ home, (see Dkt. No. 176, Attach. 18), the side-by-side comparisons submitted by plaintiffs, (see Dkt. No. 181, Attach. 2 at 17-19), and to the image of the exterior of the as-built home, (see Dkt. No. 181, Attach. 4 at 7);
(17) with respect to 30 Timber Lane, (see 3d Am. Compl. ¶¶ 77(g), 79), the court compared plaintiffs’ home plan, (see Dkt. No. 138, Attach. 6), to the plans for defendants’ home, (see Dkt. No. 176, Attach. 19), the side-by-side*152 comparisons submitted by plaintiffs, (see Dkt. No. 181, Attach. 2 at 14-16), and to the image of the exterior of the as-built home, (see Dkt. No. 181, Attach. 4 at 6);
(18) with respect to 78 Hendersen Road, (see 3d Am. Compl. ¶¶ 77(h), 79), the court compared plaintiffs’ home plan, (see Dkt. No. 138, Attach. 6), to the plans for defendants’ home, (see Dkt. No. 176, Attach. 20), the side-by-side comparisons submitted by plaintiffs, (see Dkt. No. 181, Attach. 2 at 29-31), and to the image of the exterior of the as-built home, (see Dkt. No. 181, Attach. 4 at 11);
(19) with respect to 564 Snyders Lake Road, (see 3d Am. Compl. ¶¶ 77(1), 79), the court compared plaintiffs’ home plan, (see Dkt. No. 138, Attach. 6), to the plans for defendants’ home, (see Dkt. No. 176, Attach. 21), the side-by-side comparisons submitted by plaintiffs, (see Dkt. No. 181, Attach. 3 at 38-40), and to the image of the exterior of the as-built home, (see Dkt. No. 181, Attach. 4 at 14);
(20) with respect to 45 Patterson Drive, (see 3d Am. Compl. ¶¶ 77(j), 79), the court compared plaintiffs’ home plan, (see Dkt. No. 138, Attach. 6), to the plans for defendants’ home, (see Dkt. No. 176, Attach. 22), the side-by-side comparisons submitted by plaintiffs, (see Dkt. No. 181, Attach. 2 at 20-22), and to the image of the exterior of the as-built home, (see Dkt. No. 181, Attach. 4 at 8);
(21) with respect to 19 Timber Lane, (see 3d Am. Compl. ¶¶ 77(k), 79), the court compared plaintiffs’ home plan, (see Dkt. No. 138, Attach. 6), to the plans for defendants’ home, (see Dkt. No. 176, Attach. 23), the side-by-side comparisons submitted by plaintiffs, (see Dkt. No. 181, Attach. 2 at 2-4), and to the image of the exterior of the as-built home, (see Dkt. No. 181, Attach. 4 at 2);
(22) with respect to 14 Dominco Drive, (see 3d Am. Compl. ¶¶ 77(l), 79), the court compared plaintiffs’ home plan, (see Dkt. No. 138, Attach. 6), to the plans for defendants’ home, (see Dkt. No. 176, Attach. 24), the side-by-side comparisons submitted by plaintiffs, (see Dkt. No. 181, Attach. 2 at 33-34; Dkt. No. 185, Attach. 1 at 2), and to the image of the exterior of the as-built home, (see Dkt. No. 181, Attach. 4 at 12);
(23) with respect to 9 Kaleen Drive, (see Compl. ¶ 25, Dkt. No. 1, ll-cv-1156), the court compared plaintiffs’ home plan, (see Dkt. No. 138, Attach. 2), to the the side-by-side comparisons submitted by plaintiffs, (see Dkt. No. 181, Attach. 3 at 68-70), and to the image of the exterior of the as-built home, (see Dkt. No. 181, Attach. 4 at 24);
(24) with respect to allegedly infringing advertisements by T.P. of DRA210, (see 3d Am. Compl. ¶ 99), the court compared plaintiffs’ home plan, (see Dkt. No. 138, Attach. 1), to the images they submitted of the advertisements, (see Dkt. No. 181, Attach. 5);
(25) with respect to allegedly infringing advertisements by T.P. of DRA211, including the model named “Tallahassee,” (see 3d Am. Compl. ¶¶ 99, 102), the court compared plaintiffs’ home plan, (see Dkt. No. 138, Attach. 2), to the images they submitted of the advertisements, (see Dkt. No. 181, Attach. 6); and defendants’ screenshots, (see Dkt. No. 176, Attach. 25);
(26) with respect to allegedly infringing advertisements by T.P. of DRA216, including the model named “Savannah,” (see 3d Am. Compl. ¶¶ 99, 102), the court compared plaintiffs’ home plan, (see Dkt. No. 138, Attachs. 4-5), to the images they submitted of the advertisements, (see Dkt. No. 181, Attach. 8); and defendants’ screenshots, (see Dkt. No. 176, Attach. 28);
*153 (27) with respect to allegedly infringing advertisements by T.P. of DRA217, including the models named “Mackenzie” and “Monroe,” (see 3d Am. Compl. ¶¶ 99, 102), the court compared plaintiffs’ home plan, (see Dkt. No. 138, Attach. 6), to the images they submitted of the advertisements, (see Dkt. No. 181, Attach. 9); and defendants’ screenshots, (see Dkt. No. 176, Attachs. 26-27);
(28) with respect to allegedly infringing advertisements by T.P. of DRA313,21 (see 3d Am. Compl. ¶ 99), the court compared plaintiffs’ home plan, (see Dkt. No. 138, Attach. 7), to the images they submitted of the advertisements, (see Dkt. No. 181, Attach. 10);
(29) with respect to allegedly infringing advertisements by Cicero of DRA211, (see Compl. ¶¶ 28-31, Dkt. No. 1, 11-cv-1156), the court compared plaintiffs’ home plan, (see Dkt. No. 138, Attach. 2), to the images they submitted of the advertisements, (see Dkt. No. 181, Attach. 11); and defendants’ exhibits, (see Dkt. No. 177, Attach. 4); and
(30) with respect to allegedly infringing advertisements by Cicero of DRA217, (see Compl. ¶¶ 28-31, Dkt. No. 1, 11-ev-1156), the court compared plaintiffs’ home plan, (see Dkt. No. 138, Attach. 6), to the images they submitted of the advertisements, (see Dkt. No. 181, Attach. 12); and defendants’ exhibits, (see Dkt. No. 177, Attach. 5).
Notably, the court observed, among other distinctions, the differences in: room dimensions and shapes; the overall square-footage of the homes; window and door placements; the types of doors and windows; the use of keystones and pediments; the pitch and size of the roofs; the garage door frames; the layout of the. rooms; the locations and shapes of varióus fixtures; the shapes of the staircases; the dimension and - design of the walls; and the inclusion of chimneys, gables, stoops, columns and porches.
Notwithstanding the multitude of differences between the works, the court’s comparison revealed some common features. However, the overwhelming majority of the similarities can be attributed to the fact that both plaintiffs’ and defendants’ works are heavily influenced by, and incorporate hallmark features of, Colonial architecture. See Olsen, 827 F.Supp.2d at 613-14. Likewise,-both sets of works include “standard .option[s],” (Dkt. No. 181, Attach. 1 ¶ 18), which are also unprotected. Any remaining similarities, of which there are few, are de minimus in light of the vast dissimilarities between the works.
In sum, the overwhelming number of dissimilarities, especially with respect to the elements plaintiffs claim are similar, see Attia, 201 F.3d at 58, “not only exceed the points of similarity,” Concrete Mach., 843 F.2d at 608 (internal quotations marks and citation omitted), but also “preclude a finding of substantial similarity,” Oravec, 527 F.3d at 1227. As such, the court concludes that “no reasonable jury, prop
D. Plaintiffs’ Claim of Wholesale Copying
In their response, plaintiffs contend that T.P. provided copies of their works to “former defendants Roxanne Heller and Vincenzo Sofia so that they could prepare the [allegedly] infringing drawings.” (Dkt. No. 181 at 18.) Relying on Heller’s affidavit, plaintiffs claim that this act of wholesale copying, standing alone, constitutes copyright infringement in that it deprived them of their exclusive right “to distribute copies of the copyrighted work to the public.” (Id.) While this may be true, see 17 U.S.C. § 106, this specific claim is not clearly pled in any of plaintiffs’ complaints. See Fed.R.Civ.P. 8(a); see also Bell Atl. Corp. v. Twombly, 550 U.S. 544, 555, 127 S.Ct. 1955, 167 L.Ed.2d 929 (2007) (stating that under Rule ■ 8, “the defendant [must be given] fair notice of what the ... claim is and the grounds upon which it rests” (internal quotation marks and citation omitted)). Thus, to the extent plaintiffs sought to state a claim for wholesale copying against defendants, that claim is also dismissed. Notwithstanding this dismissal, it would be unjust to foreclose plaintiffs’ rights to pursue this claim.
V. Conclusion
WHEREFORE, for the foregoing reasons, it is hereby
ORDERED that plaintiffs’ letter motion regarding the submission of errata sheets (Dkt. No. 185) is GRANTED; and it is further
ORDERED that T.P. and Cicero’s motions for summary judgment (Dkt. Nos. 176, 177) are GRANTED and all claims against them are DISMISSED; and it is further
ORDERED that plaintiffs may, if they so choose, file a Fourth Amended Complaint within thirty (30) days of the date of this Memorandum-Decision and Order, limited to the issue of wholesale copying of their works, that complies with the requirements of, inter alia, N.D.N.Y. L.R. 7.1(a)(4); and it is further
ORDERED that the Clerk provide a copy of this Memorandum-Decision and Order to the parties.
IT IS SO ORDERED.
. By Order dated March 16, 2012, Magistrate Judge Randolph F. Treece directed the parties to enter a joint stipulation consolidating case numbers 10-cv-876 and 11-cv-1156. {See Dkt. No. 171, 10-cv-876.)
. 17 U.S.C. §§ 101-1332.
. Docket citations refer to Case No. 10-cv-876; citations to 11-cv-1156 are noted as such.
. T.P.’s motion seeks either dismissal under Fed.R.Civ.P. 12(b)(6) or summary judgment under Fed.R.Civ.P. 56. (See Dkt. No. 176.) Because T.P. filed an Answer, (see Dkt. No. 148), dismissal under Rule 12 is unavailable. See Fed.R.Civ.P. 12(b). As such, T.P.’s motion will be analyzed under Rule 56.
.Though analyzed under Fed.R.Civ.P. 56, T.P. and Cicero’s statements of material facts provide little in the way of background. (See Dkt. No. 176, Attach. 29; Dkt. No. 177, Attach. 7.) Therefore, the material facts are taken from plaintiffs' Third Amended Complaint and, unless otherwise noted, are undisputed.
. Joseph M. Clark, Shelroc Homes, LLC, and Capital Framing, Inc. are collectively referred to as Shelroc.
. Despite the voluntary dismissal, plaintiffs commenced separate, but related actions, against Cicero and Shelroc. See Zalewski et al. v. Shelroc Homes, LLC et al., No. 11-cv-1159; Zalewski et al. v. Cicero Builder Dev., Inc. et al., No. 11-cv-1156. The case against Cicero was consolidated on March 16, 2012. (See Dkt. No. 171.)
. With the exception of one home listed in count four of the Third Amended Complaint, the instant motions require a review of the same accused properties discussed in the court’s previous decision. However, after conducting the requisite visual comparison in accordance with the substantial similarity test below, the court discerns no error in its previous holding insofar as the copyrightable elements of plaintiffs’ DRA212 drawing are not substantially similar to defendants’ design. (Compare Dkt. No. 146, Attach. 4, with Dkt. No. 138, Attach. 3.) It follows that recision of the previous Memorandum-Decision and Order is unnecessary.
. Pursuant to Fed.R.Civ.P. 56(c)(3), the court exercises its discretion to "consider other materials in the record.”
. See infra Part IV. C.l.
. Because the burden remains with plaintiffs, their argument regarding T.P. and Cicero's failure to proffer evidence to challenge the originality of the drawings in question is meritless. (See Dkt. No. 181 at 7.)
. Though Zalewski also contends that he needs discovery to obtain additional "evidence regarding the originality of [his] designs,” (Dkt. No. 181, Attach. 1 ¶ 46(e)), his affidavits in support of his previous cross-motions for summary judgment, which are essentially identical, contained no such averment, (see, e.g., 160, Attach. 3). Again, the court is unpersuaded, as the question of copyrightability, which necessarily encompasses originality, is one of law. See Darden v. Peters, 402 F.Supp.2d 638, 641 (E.D.N.C. 2005).
. For example, the affidavit of former-defendant Cillis notes several critical elements that are missing from DRA212. (See Dkt. No. 146, Attach. 1 ¶ 6.)
.Additional architectural features of this style include:
[interiors [with] central halls, elaborately turned stair balustrades, paneled walls painted in warm colours and white plaster ceilings ... curved interior walls, such as in staircase halls; arches on landings and passageways; ornamental Venetian windows; doorways with pilasters separating the door from side lights; and fanlight arches covering the entire doorway ... battlemented and indented parapets; pointed casement windows with tracery in the heads, margin lights and drip moulds above them; pointed doorcases with shafts or reeding up the sides and meeting at the top in an arch; hooded or unhooded wrought-or cast-iron balconies on windows and porches; shallow, curved bays often running the full height of the building; and shallow-pitched roofs.
Olsen, 827 F.Supp.2d at 613-14 (internal quotation marks and citations omitted).
. Zalewski's assertion that the elevation views contain "unique” features, (Dkt. No. 181, Attach. 1 ¶ 14), without identifying or describing what the features are, is insufficient to survive the heightened pleading standard for copyrights. (See Dkt. No. 133 at 8-11.)
. A careful review of plaintiffs’ submissions demonstrates their understanding that only ”[t]he arrangement of spaces on [their] floor plans” is copyrightable. (See Dkt. No. 181 at 9.)
. Even if a subsequent court finds that DRA212, DRA216a and DRA313 are copyrightable, they too are only entitled to limited copyright protection, and the lack of substantial similarity between these works and the accused properties, as analyzed below, provides an alternative basis for summary judgment.
. In support of their respective motions, both T.P. and Cicero provided the court with a recitation of the differences between the accused works and plaintiffs’ home plans. (See Dkt. No. 176, Attachs. 3-28; Dkt. No. 177, Attach. 6 at 4-6.) These, along with the affidavits previously provided by DeRaven and Sofia, (see Dkt. No. 149, Attach. 5-14; Dkt. No. 156, Attach. 1 ¶¶ 12-276), articulate numerous differences between plaintiffs' and defendants' works.
. Given that plaintiffs asked the court to amend its previous ruling, (see Dkt. No. 181 at 19), DeRaven, Sofia and Cillis were also permitted to file supplemental briefs. (See Dkt. No. 184 at 3-4.)
. Although the court appreciates that it is dealing with architectural works, it is unpersuaded that additional discovery is needed to analyze the as-built homes. (See Dkt. No. 181 at 17.) Among other reasons, it is illogical to compare plaintiffs’ two-dimensional designs
. Plaintiffs' exhibit appears to include a typographical error in that it includes alleged infringements of DRA316. (See Dkt. No. 181, Attach. 10.) However, DRA316 is not a part of this action, and thus, the court assumes that the exhibit shows the purported infringements of DRA313. (See 3d Am. Compl. ¶ 99.)
. This includes plaintiffs’ claim that although the entire design was not copied in the accused home, individual floor plans or elevation views were. Because the substantial similarity analysis here concerns the “total concept and overall feel” of plaintiffs’ works, Tufenkian, 338 F.3d at 133, it is insufficient to demonstrate that a single component of the design, such as an individual floor plan or elevation view, has been copied.
. Because plaintiffs’ and defendants’ works are not, as a matter of law, substantially similar, any similarities between plaintiffs’ works and the allegedly infringing advertisements exist at the level of unprotected expression, and thus, are insufficient to support a claim under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. See 17 U.S.C. § 1202(b); Olsen, 827 F.Supp.2d at 624-25.
. The court presumes, without deciding, that plaintiffs can allege all of the facts necessary to support such a claim and that the claim would be timely.
Reference
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- James E. ZALEWSKI v. T.P. BUILDERS, INC.
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