And that is only to protect the plans from being reused. My question is more like are those plans considered confidential. Like not allowed to be just past around, stolen or even hacked directly off their system. Are there any laws that would make it a crime if the firm that did the drawing were to get hacked and my plans were attained by some unknown party. The plans may show built in security systems or very sensitive type things similar to what you may find in a bank or government facility. Certain security things built in that could maybe compromise the security of the building. I would think there would be some type of "non-disclosuer deal for sensitive plans.
You are thinking, perhaps, of a trade secret? There are several factors that must be met to qualify building plans as a trade secret, however.
You can look to the Uniform Trade Secrets Act, Section 1 Definitions. A trade secret means information, including a formula, pattern, compilation, program, device, method, technique, or process, that: (i) derives independent economic value, actual or potential, from not being generally known to, and not being readily ascertainable by proper means by, other persons who can obtain economic value from its disclosure or use; and (ii) is the subject of efforts that are reasonable under the circumstances to maintain its secrecy.
And, yes, it is possible to fashion a non-disclosure/confidentiality agreement to protect sensitive material from disclosure to others.
As a note, copyright laws and trade secret laws and confidentiality agreements can all offer protection on the same information. And, also as a note, it is possible to provide licenses to use the plans in exchange for signing a confidentiality agreement.
I recommend that you sit down with an attorney in your area to go over the ways you can protect the architectural plans. You will need legal assistance in drafting agreements to cover your needs.
