Architect Antonio Adessi sues over a Panama City Beach home he says copies his registered house plans

The complaint

Adessi v. Bystrom, No. 5:26-cv-00266 (N.D. Fla., Panama City Division), was filed September 22, 2026 (17 pages). Adessi is a Florida registered architect in Panama City, Florida. Bystrom is an individual who the complaint says owned the accused property in Panama City Beach, Florida and lives in Omaha, Nebraska. Adessi demands a jury trial. (Compl. caption; paras. 6 to 7, 14.)

The works

The complaint alleges Adessi owns the copyright in plans for a custom residence in Panama City Beach, completed in 2024 and later built by a local builder. It alleges the plans were registered as an architectural work under VA 2-465-763, effective September 27, 2025; as a technical drawing under VA 2-507-542, effective April 20, 2026; and in a supplementary registration as an architectural work under VA 2-521-350, effective August 18, 2026. The Copyright Office public records list claimant Antonio Adessi and those three dates. (Compl. paras. 17 to 23; Copyright Office records.)

What it alleges

The complaint alleges that Bystrom called the builder of Adessi's design presenting himself as a real estate agent with clients interested in the house and obtained its listing information, that months later he mentioned to the builder he was going to build a home, and that Adessi then found him framing a home about a two-minute drive away. It alleges the plans for and structure of that home are identical or substantially similar to Adessi's plans, listing shared interior layouts, window and door groupings, and exterior features, and that the home sold on or around August 28, 2026 for about $1.6 million. It alleges Adessi's counsel sent a cease-and-desist letter on January 20, 2026. (Compl. paras. 1 to 3, 26 to 46.)

The counts and relief

Count I pleads copyright infringement under 17 U.S.C. 501. Count II pleads removal or alteration of copyright management information under 17 U.S.C. 1202(b), alleging, upon information and belief, that Bystrom removed Adessi's CMI from the plans to aid the infringement. The prayer asks for permanent and temporary injunctive relief, impoundment and delivery of infringing copies under 17 U.S.C. 503, a sworn compliance report, profits and damages or statutory damages on both counts including enhanced damages for willfulness, interest, and fees and costs. (Compl. paras. 53 to 67; Prayer A to I.)