EXPORT to CAD format BUT PROTECTED like in Acrobat

[Anonymous]

Hi.
I've read lots of different questions about exporting PLN to DWG or any other format but I haven't find what I need.
I'd must export my pln files to give them to a Government Office so that it can be used if along the time this building need to be altered. That's ok, but what I also want to do is to protect my job so that the original base plan can not be altered.
When I export to DWG, my logo, several tiff's I might have inserted in the plan are side files that go along with what it is supposed to be the main dwg file. I'd like to group them all in one only file an lock them (Like we do when we publish to PDF), and protect them with a password allowing to take reference to elements, crossings, distances, etc, but preventing it to be altered.
Any suggestion?
Thanks in advance

[Anonymous]

Marcus wrote:
Hi.
I'd must export my pln files to give them to a Government Office so that it can be used if along the time this building need to be altered. That's ok, but what I also want to do is to protect my job so that the original base plan can not be altered.

The technical answer: You cannot make a read-only DWG document. In AutoCad you can add password protection to a file, but it would also prevent opening and viewing. Also, the referenced images canot be embedded in the file.

The "social" answer: What is in your contract? Your post contains a contradiction. If your file must be used if the building is to be altered, then it must be alterable by the user. This is a contract requirement if working with the government in our parts. I don't know how it is with you, but I would guess that if you are bound by contract to supply the information, the same contract would require the recipient to be able to use it.

Anssi

[Anonymous]

I don't mind about the architectural matter being altered. Obviously my client is buying that information. May be I haven't exposed it very clear. I'm only concerned about the two or three files (jpg, and so) that comes out the main file as my firm logo, personalized drawing borders, etc, which as they go outside the main file might be "taken" to be used improperly for any other purpose out of the drawing where they belong. Some times I've seen drawings with our logo that we didn't drafted. Know what I mean? I know it is not very common but as it some times it happens, there would be a good idea to have a way to lock what it`s not necessary to be modified. Kiitos for your answer anyway.

[Anonymous]

Marcus wrote:
I don't mind about the architectural matter being altered. Obviously my client is buying that information.

Not so obvious. Using a standard agreement in my parts, the client is merely licensing this information as it applies to a specific project. The Architect retains ownership of the intellectual property.

Any alterations or changes should receive your expressed written permission. What if they decide a smaller beam should be installed so as not to conflict with a mech. duct (I know, I know - it would never happen with BIM, right?)

I guess that's not much help - I just couldn't help piping in.