AIS Designs Co. Triumphs Over Copyright Infringement in Court Case

In a landmark ruling, Houston's own AIS Designs Co. has won a federal copyright dispute against J.J.S. Custom Built Homes, Inc., a competing construction firm. This legal battle, centered on the alleged unauthorized use of proprietary home designs, underscores the importance of intellectual property rights in the competitive homebuilding sector.

The conflict arose after AIS Designs Co. accused J.J.S. of replicating four of its unique home designs in the Grand Lake Estates subdivision of Montgomery, Texas, between 2021 and 2023. The designs in question were tied to AIS’s 2020 AIS Quick Residence copyright, and the complaint stated that J.J.S. failed to acquire permission for their use and attempted to obscure the origin of the designs.

Following a rigorous two-week trial, the federal jury issued a verdict favoring AIS Designs Co., awarding the firm a substantial $855,997.14 in damages. The ruling reflects a significant judicial endorsement of the importance of protecting creative efforts against infringement.

The involved parties in this legal dispute included not only J.J.S. Custom Built Homes, Inc. but also individuals associated with the company: Jose de Jesus Salazar, Javier Rodriguez, Valleri Salazar, and entities like KWWD, LLC, NextGen Real Estate Properties LLC, and Connect Realty.com, Inc.

The allegations were initially brought to light by the Grand Lake Estates Property Owners Association, which informed American Tradition Custom Homes, LLC—an established partner of AIS that has also designed homes in the Grand Lake area—about the potential copyright violation. This oversight led AIS Designs Co. to take the necessary legal steps to defend its intellectual property.

Legal representation for AIS included Patrick Zummo of the Law Offices of Patrick Zummo in Houston, alongside Califf T. Cooper from Osha Bergman Watanabe Burton LLP. In response to the verdict, Angel I. Silva, the founder and president of AIS Designs, expressed gratitude towards the jury and the court. Silva emphasized that this judgment serves as a testament to the hard work and creativity that goes into their designs, which he describes as more than mere blueprints but the results of years of dedication and expertise.

Cooper noted the importance of this case in protecting the integrity of the design and building professions, as the jury’s decision sends a strong signal that intellectual theft has serious repercussions. The court’s order further stipulates that J.J.S. Custom Built Homes, Inc. must pay distinct amounts totaling $278,605.95 to AIS, with additional payments to Valleri Salazar and Jose de Jesus Salazar, as well as ongoing post-judgment interest.

Moreover, a permanent injunction has been granted to prevent further infringement on AIS Designs’ copyright, safeguarding the company’s intellectual assets against future violations.

Silva remarked on the implications of this verdict, heralding it as a critical milestone in the recognition of creative designs as protected treasures, free from unauthorized adaptation or reproduction.

In addition to this case, AIS Designs Co. has filed another copyright infringement lawsuit against different entities connected to the same Grand Lake Estates developments, further driving home their commitment to protecting their intellectual property.

For those interested in following this unfolding story, the case is known as AIS Designs Co. v. J.J.S. Custom Built Homes, Inc., et al., in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Houston Division. It stands as a powerful reminder to the industry about the importance of respecting and preserving original design work.