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m Wbm1058 moved page AutoCAD DWG to .dwg over redirect: restore per present consensus on Talk page
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{{Redirect|DWG|the cereal byproduct of the distillation process|Distillers wet grains}}
{{Redirect|DWG|the cereal byproduct of the distillation process|Distillers wet grains}}
{{multiple issues|
{{primary sources|date=October 2012}}
{{primary sources|date=October 2012}}
{{external links|date=May 2012}}
{{external links|date=May 2012}}
{{Infobox file format
| name = DWG
| icon =
| extension = .dwg
| mime = application/acad <br />application/x-acad <br />application/autocad_dwg <br />image/x-dwg <br />application/dwg <br />application/x-dwg <br />application/x-autocad <br />image/vnd.dwg <br />drawing/dwg<ref name="cadMIME">{{cite web
|url=http://www.fileinfo.com/extension/dwg
|title=File Extension .DWG Details
|work=FILEinfo - The File Extension Source
|publisher=Computer Knowledge}}</ref>
| typecode =
| uniform type =
| magic =
| genre = [[CAD]]
| containerfor =
| containedby =
| owner = [[Autodesk]], [[Open Design Alliance]] and others
| extendedfrom =
| extendedto =
| standard =
}}
}}
{{ infobox file format
'''DWG''' (DraWinG) is a binary [[file format]] used for storing two and three dimensional design data and metadata. It is the native format for several [[CAD]] packages including [[AutoCAD]], [[IntelliCAD Technology Consortium|IntelliCAD]] (and its variants) and [[Caddie (CAD system)|Caddie]]. In addition, DWG is supported non-natively<ref>Non-natively: i.e., the file format is supported by translation from or to another file formats.</ref> by many other [[CAD]] applications. The .bak (drawing backup), .dws (drawing standards), .dwt (drawing template) and .sv$ (temporary automatic save) files are also DWG files.
| name = DWG

| icon =
==History of the DWG format==
| extension = .dwg
DWG (denoted by the .dwg [[filename extension]]) was the native file format for the [[Interact CAD]] package, developed by Mike Riddle in the late 1970s,<ref>{{cite web|title= Mike Riddle's Prehistoric AutoCAD - Retro Thing|url=http://www.retrothing.com/2007/05/mike_riddles_pr.html|work=|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5hXExcLhs|archivedate=2009-06-14|deadurl=no|accessdate=2009-06-11}}</ref> and subsequently [[software license|licensed]] by [[Autodesk]] in 1982 as the basis for [[AutoCAD]].<ref>{{cite web|title= Existing products|url=http://www.fourmilab.ch/autofile/www/subsection2_3_12_1.html#SECTION00312100000000000000|work=|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5hXEy2oiJ|archivedate=2009-06-14|deadurl=no|accessdate=2009-06-11}}</ref><ref>[http://www.fourmilab.ch/autofile/www/f/246.html The Autodesk File: Footnote]</ref><ref>{{cite web|title= DigiBarn Stories: Mike Riddle & the Story of AutoCAD, EasyCAD, FastCAD & more|url=http://www.digibarn.com/stories/mike-riddle/index.html|work=|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5hXEyRZFr|archivedate=2009-06-14|deadurl=no|accessdate=2009-06-11}}</ref> From 1982 to 2009, Autodesk created versions of AutoCAD which wrote no fewer than 18 major variants of the DWG file format,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://autodesk.blogs.com/between_the_lines/autocad-release-history.html |title=Autodesk blog|accessdate=March 2010| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20100323073806/http://autodesk.blogs.com/between_the_lines/autocad-release-history.html| archivedate= 23 March 2010<!--Added by DASHBot-->}}</ref> none of which is publicly documented.
| mime = application/acad <br />application/x-acad <br />application/autocad_dwg <br />image/x-dwg <br />application/dwg <br />application/x-dwg <br />application/x-autocad <br />image/vnd.dwg <br />drawing/dwg<ref name="cadMIME">{{ cite web | url = http://www.fileinfo.com/extension/dwg | title = File Extension .DWG Details | work = Fileinfo&nbsp;— The File Extension Source | publisher = Computer Knowledge}}</ref>

| typecode =
The DWG format is probably the most widely used format for CAD drawings. Autodesk estimates that in 1998 there were in excess of two billion DWG files in existence.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.autodesk.com/products/autocad/dwgoem/unplgfq2.htm|title = DWG Unplugged|author = Autodesk, Inc.|archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/19980119080401/http://www.autodesk.com/products/autocad/dwgoem/unplgfq2.htm|archivedate = 1998-01-19|quote = With over two billion AutoCAD DWG files worldwide...}}</ref>
| uniform type =

| magic =
There are several claims to control of the DWG format.<ref>[http://worldcadaccess.typepad.com/blog/2007/12/dwg-the-registr.html DWG: The Registration Attempts & Successes from WorldCAD Access]</ref> As the biggest and most influential creator of DWG files it is Autodesk who designs, defines, and iterates the DWG format as the native format for their CAD applications. Autodesk sells a read/write library, called RealDWG,<ref name=autogenerated1>[http://www.autodesk.com/realdwg Autodesk - Developer Center - RealDWG]</ref> under selective licensing terms for use in non-competitive applications. Several companies have attempted to [[reverse engineer]] Autodesk's DWG format, and offer software libraries to read and write Autodesk DWG files. The most successful is Open Design Alliance,<ref>Originally, OpenDWG Alliance. {{cite web|url = http://www.opendesign.com | title = Open Design Alliance| archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/5PnZKqXma | archivedate = 2007-06-22| deadurl=no}}</ref> a non-profit consortium created in 1998 by a number of software developers (including competitors to Autodesk), released a read/write/view library called the [[OpenDWG]] Toolkit, which was based on the MarComp AUTODIRECT libraries.<ref>[http://www.opendwg.org/node/86] {{Wayback|url=http://www.opendwg.org/node/86|date =20081227030050}}</ref> (ODA has since rewritten and updated that code.)
| genre = [[Computer-aided design]]
| containerfor =
| containedby =
| owner = [[Autodesk]], [[Open Design Alliance]] and others
| extendedfrom =
| extendedto =
| standard =
}}


'''DWG''' (from ''drawing'') is a binary [[file format]] used for storing two- and three- dimensional design data and metadata. It is the native format for several [[CAD]] packages including [[DraftSight]], [[AutoCAD]], [[IntelliCAD Technology Consortium|IntelliCAD]] (and its variants), [[Caddie (CAD system)|Caddie]] and [[Open Design Alliance]] compliant applications
In 1998, Autodesk added [[file verification]] to AutoCAD R14.01, through a function called DWGCHECK. This function was supported by an encrypted checksum and product code (called a "watermark" by Autodesk), written into DWG files created by the program.<ref>[http://autodesk.blogs.com/between_the_lines/2005/06/how_to_tell_if_.html Between the Lines: How to identify some problem DWG files]</ref><ref>[http://www.opendesign.com/dwg2007update.asp] {{Wayback|url=http://www.opendesign.com/dwg2007update.asp|date =20070417090714}}</ref> In 2006 Autodesk modified AutoCAD 2007, to include "TrustedDWG technology", a function which would embed a text string within DWG files written by the program: "Autodesk DWG. This file is a Trusted DWG last saved by an Autodesk application or Autodesk licensed application."<ref>This "TrustedDWG code" is encoded into DWG files in a fashion that is not humanly readable. This may be validated by using a binary editor to search a DWG file.</ref> This helped Autodesk software users ensure that the files they were opening were created by an Autodesk, or RealDWG application, reducing risk of incompatibilities.<ref>Autodesk originally used the term "Trusted DWG", with an embedded space. They modified it removing the space, prior to filing a US trademark application in September, 2006, [http://tarr.uspto.gov/servlet/tarr?regser=serial&entry=77009317 tarr.uspto.gov]</ref> AutoCAD would pop up a message, warning of potential stability problems, if a user opened a 2007 version DWG file which did not include this text string.
. In addition, DWG is supported non-natively by many other CAD applications. The .bak (drawing backup), .dws (drawing standards), .dwt (drawing template) and .sv$ (temporary automatic save) files are also DWG files.


In addition, the two companies will facilitate work process interoperability between their AEC applications through supporting the reciprocal use of available [[Application Programming Interface]]s (APIs).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pressreleases.autodesk.com/index.php?s=press_releases&item=436%3C%2Ftd%3E|accessdate=2009-01-01 |title=Autodesk and Bentley to Advance AEC Software Interoperability |date=2008-07-08| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20090227030632/http://pressreleases.autodesk.com/index.php?s=press_releases&item=436%3C%2Ftd%3E| archivedate= 27 February 2009<!--Added by DASHBot-->}}</ref>
In 2008 the [[Free Software Foundation]] asserted the need for an open replacement for the DWG format by placing 'Replacement for OpenDWG libraries'<ref>[http://www.fsf.org/campaigns/priority.html#opendwgreplacement FSF promotes need for open DWG packages]</ref> in 10th place on their High Priority Free Software Projects list. Created in late 2009, [[GNU Project|GNU]] LibreDWG<ref>[http://www.gnu.org/software/libredwg/ GNU LibreDWG]</ref> is a [[free software]] library released under the terms of the [[GNU General Public License|GNU GPLv3]] license. Despite being currently under development, it can read most parts of DWG files from version R13 up to 2004. Neither RealDWG<ref name=autogenerated1 /> nor DWGdirect are licensed on terms that are compatible with the [[GNU General Public License|GNU GPL]], or similar [[free software licenses|free software license]].


== Version history ==
Also in 2008 Autodesk and [[Bentley Systems]] agreed on exchange of software libraries, including Autodesk RealDWG, to improve the ability to read and write the companies' respective DWG and DGN formats in mixed environments with greater fidelity. In addition, the two companies will facilitate work process interoperability between their AEC applications through supporting the reciprocal use of available [[Application Programming Interface]]s (APIs).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pressreleases.autodesk.com/index.php?s=press_releases&item=436%3C%2Ftd%3E|accessdate=2009-01-01
|title=Autodesk and Bentley to Advance AEC Software Interoperability
|date=2008-07-08| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20090227030632/http://pressreleases.autodesk.com/index.php?s=press_releases&item=436%3C%2Ftd%3E| archivedate= 27 February 2009<!--Added by DASHBot-->}} {{Dead link|date=November 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref>


==Version history==
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
Line 120: Line 108:
| DWG 2013
| DWG 2013
| AC1027
| AC1027
| AutoCAD 2013
| AutoCAD 2013, AutoCAD 2014, AutoCAD 2015
|}
|}


==Legal issues==
== Legal issues ==

On 13 November 2006, Autodesk sued the [[Open Design Alliance]] alleging that its DWGdirect libraries infringed Autodesk's trademark for the word "Autodesk", by writing the TrustedDWG watermark (including the word "AutoCAD") into DWG files it created.<ref>[http://www.cadcourt.com/Docket/206cv01637.aspx Autodesk v. ODA]</ref> Nine days later, Autodesk's attorneys won a broad and deep [[temporary restraining order]] against the Open Design Alliance.<ref>[http://www.cadcourt.com/Docket/206cv01637.aspx Autodesk v. ODA See line 35, Transcript]</ref> In April 2007, the suit was settled, essentially on Autodesk's terms, with Autodesk modifying the warning message in AutoCAD 2008 (to make it somewhat less alarming), and the Open Design Alliance removing support for writing the TrustedDWG watermark from its DWGdirect libraries. The effect of the temporary restraining order and subsequent consent decree was to render the Open Design Alliance's DWGdirect libraries incapable of creating DWG files that are 100% compatible with AutoCAD.<ref>[http://www.cadcourt.com/Docket/206cv01637.aspx Autodesk v. ODA See line 50, Consent Judgment]</ref>
On 13 November 2006, Autodesk sued the [[Open Design Alliance]] alleging that its DWGdirect libraries infringed Autodesk's trademark for the word "Autodesk", by writing the TrustedDWG watermark (including the word "AutoCAD") into DWG files it created.<ref>[http://www.cadcourt.com/Docket/206cv01637.aspx Autodesk v. ODA]</ref> Nine days later, Autodesk's attorneys won a broad and deep [[temporary restraining order]] against the Open Design Alliance.<ref>[http://www.cadcourt.com/Docket/206cv01637.aspx Autodesk v. ODA See line 35, Transcript]</ref> In April 2007, the suit was settled, essentially on Autodesk's terms, with Autodesk modifying the warning message in AutoCAD 2008 (to make it somewhat less alarming), and the Open Design Alliance removing support for writing the TrustedDWG watermark from its DWGdirect libraries. The effect of the temporary restraining order and subsequent consent decree was to render the Open Design Alliance's DWGdirect libraries, from one point of view, incapable of creating DWG files that are 100% compatible with AutoCAD. Others point out that the failure of "100% compatibility" means only that loading such a drawing triggers an essentially irrelevant warning message when the file is opened in AutoCAD.<ref>[http://www.cadcourt.com/Docket/206cv01637.aspx Autodesk v. ODA See line 50, Consent Judgment]</ref>


In 2006, Autodesk applied for registration of US [[trademark]]s on "DWG",<ref>{{cite web|title=Latest Status Info|url=http://tarr.uspto.gov/servlet/tarr?regser=serial&entry=78852798|work=|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5jkOlfnj2|archivedate=2009-09-12|deadurl=no|accessdate=2009-09-10}}</ref><ref>[http://tarr.uspto.gov/servlet/tarr?regser=serial&entry=78852808 Latest Status Info]</ref> "DWG EXTREME",<ref>[http://tarr.uspto.gov/servlet/tarr?regser=serial&entry=78852843 Latest Status Info]</ref> "DWG TRUECONVERT",<ref>[http://tarr.uspto.gov/servlet/tarr?regser=serial&entry=78852822 Latest Status Info]</ref> "REALDWG",<ref>[http://tarr.uspto.gov/servlet/tarr?regser=serial&entry=78852836 Latest Status Info]</ref> "DWGX",<ref>[http://tarr.uspto.gov/servlet/tarr?regser=serial&entry=78852849 Latest Status Info]</ref> "DWG TRUEVIEW".<ref>[http://tarr.uspto.gov/servlet/tarr?regser=serial&entry=78852813 Latest Status Info]</ref><ref>[http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/pc/index?siteID=123112&id=6703438 DWG TrueConverter USA.autodesk.com]</ref>
In 2006, Autodesk applied for registration of US [[trademark]]s on "DWG",<ref>{{cite web|title=Latest Status Info|url=http://tarr.uspto.gov/servlet/tarr?regser=serial&entry=78852798|work=|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5jkOlfnj2|archivedate=2009-09-12|deadurl=no|accessdate=2009-09-10}}</ref><ref>[http://tarr.uspto.gov/servlet/tarr?regser=serial&entry=78852808 Latest Status Info]</ref> "DWG EXTREME",<ref>[http://tarr.uspto.gov/servlet/tarr?regser=serial&entry=78852843 Latest Status Info]</ref> "DWG TRUECONVERT",<ref>[http://tarr.uspto.gov/servlet/tarr?regser=serial&entry=78852822 Latest Status Info]</ref> "REALDWG",<ref>[http://tarr.uspto.gov/servlet/tarr?regser=serial&entry=78852836 Latest Status Info]</ref> "DWGX",<ref>[http://tarr.uspto.gov/servlet/tarr?regser=serial&entry=78852849 Latest Status Info]</ref> "DWG TRUEVIEW".<ref>[http://tarr.uspto.gov/servlet/tarr?regser=serial&entry=78852813 Latest Status Info]</ref><ref>[http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/pc/index?siteID=123112&id=6703438 DWG TrueConverter USA.autodesk.com]</ref>
As early as 1996, Autodesk has disclaimed exclusive use of the DWG mark in US trademark filings.<ref>[http://tarr.uspto.gov/servlet/tarr?regser=serial&entry=75156366 Latest Status Info]</ref> Out of these applications, only TRUSTEDDWG has been registered as a trademark by the [[USPTO]]. The REALDWG and DWGX registrations were opposed by SolidWorks. The DWG EXTREME, DWG TRUECONVERT, and DWG TRUEVIEW trademark registration applications all received substantial resistance, with the [[USPTO]] examining attorney requiring Autodesk to disclaim exclusive use of DWG as a condition for their registration.
As early as 1996, Autodesk has disclaimed exclusive use of the DWG mark in US trademark filings.<ref>[http://tarr.uspto.gov/servlet/tarr?regser=serial&entry=75156366 Latest Status Info]</ref> Out of these applications, only TRUSTEDDWG has been registered as a trademark by the [[USPTO]]. The REALDWG and DWGX registrations were opposed by SolidWorks. The DWG EXTREME, DWG TRUECONVERT, and DWG TRUEVIEW trademark registration applications all received substantial resistance, with the USPTO examining attorney requiring Autodesk to disclaim exclusive use of DWG as a condition for their registration.


In a non-final action in May, 2007, the [[USPTO]] examining attorney refused to register the two DWG marks, as they are "merely descriptive" of the use of DWG as a file format name. In September, 2007, Autodesk responded, claiming that DWG has gained a "secondary meaning," separate from its use as a generic file format name.<ref>[http://portal.uspto.gov/external/portal/tow?SRCH=Y&isSubmitted=true&details=&SELECT=US+Serial+No&TEXT=78852798# United States Patent & Trademark Office]</ref>
In a non-final action in May, 2007, the USPTO examining attorney refused to register the two DWG marks, as they are "merely descriptive" of the use of DWG as a file format name. In September, 2007, Autodesk responded, claiming that DWG has gained a "secondary meaning," separate from its use as a generic file format name.<ref>[http://portal.uspto.gov/external/portal/tow?SRCH=Y&isSubmitted=true&details=&SELECT=US+Serial+No&TEXT=78852798# United States Patent & Trademark Office]</ref>


As of June 22, 2008, all of Autodesk's DWG-related trademark registration proceedings were suspended by the [[USPTO]], pending disposition of trademark opposition and cancellation petitions Autodesk had filed against the Open Design Alliance and Dassault Systemes [[SolidWorks]] Corporation. The [[USPTO]] office actions notifying Autodesk of this noted the following as facts:
As of June 22, 2008, all of Autodesk's DWG-related trademark registration proceedings were suspended by the USPTO, pending disposition of trademark opposition and cancellation petitions Autodesk had filed against the Open Design Alliance and Dassault Systemes [[SolidWorks]] Corporation. The USPTO office actions notifying Autodesk of this noted the following as facts:
{{Block quote|
1. DWG is a file format.<br />
2. Applicant is not the exclusive source of files with the format name DWG.<br />
3. Applicant does not control the use of DWG by others, either as a trademark or as a file format name.<br />
4. The submitted survey does not reflect recognition of DWG as a trademark, since no distinction was made between use as a trademark and
use as the name of a file format.}}


{{ quote |
In 2006, Autodesk filed an opposition with the [[USPTO]] to the trademark registration of DWGGATEWAY by [[SolidWorks]].<ref>{{cite web|title=dwg#page1.tif |url=http://ttabvue.uspto.gov/ttabvue/ttabvue-91170857-OPP-1.pdf|work=|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5jkOm3Ntl|archivedate=2009-09-12|deadurl=no|accessdate=2009-09-10}}</ref> Autodesk subsequently filed a petition for cancellation of SolidWorks' trademark registration for DWGEDITOR.<ref>[http://ttabvue.uspto.gov/ttabvue/ttabvue-92046253-CAN-1.pdf Ttabvue.uspto.gov]</ref> In both cases, Autodesk's basis was that they had "been using the DWG name with its CAD software products since at least as early as 1983." The opposition and cancellation actions were consolidated, and suspended pending disposition of Autodesk's [[US District Court]] suit against SolidWorks.<ref>[http://ttabvue.uspto.gov/ttabvue/ttabvue-91170857-OPP-32.pdf Ttabvue.uspto.gov]</ref>
# DWG is a file format.
# Applicant is not the exclusive source of files with the format name DWG.
# Applicant does not control the use of DWG by others, either as a trademark or as a file format name.
# The submitted survey does not reflect recognition of DWG as a trademark, since no distinction was made between use as a trademark and
use as the name of a file format.
}}


In early 2007, Autodesk petitioned the [[USPTO]] to cancel the Open Design Alliance's "OpenDWG" trademarks, claiming that they had been abandoned.<ref>[http://ttabvue.uspto.gov/ttabvue/ttabvue-92047002-CAN-1.pdf Ttabvue.uspto.gov]</ref> This cancellation action was suspended pending disposition of Autodesk's US District Court suit against SolidWorks.<ref>[http://ttabvue.uspto.gov/ttabvue/ttabvue-92047002-CAN-53.pdf Ttabvue.uspto.gov]</ref>
In 2006, Autodesk filed an opposition with the USPTO to the trademark registration of DWGGATEWAY by [[SolidWorks]].<ref>{{cite web|title=dwg#page1.tif |url=http://ttabvue.uspto.gov/ttabvue/ttabvue-91170857-OPP-1.pdf|work=|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5jkOm3Ntl|archivedate=2009-09-12|deadurl=no|accessdate=2009-09-10}}</ref> Autodesk subsequently filed a petition for cancellation of SolidWorks' trademark registration for DWGEDITOR.<ref>[http://ttabvue.uspto.gov/ttabvue/ttabvue-92046253-CAN-1.pdf Ttabvue.uspto.gov]</ref> In both cases, Autodesk's basis was that they had "been using the DWG name with its CAD software products since at least as early as 1983." The opposition and cancellation actions were consolidated, and suspended pending disposition of Autodesk's [[US District Court]] suit against SolidWorks.<ref>[http://ttabvue.uspto.gov/ttabvue/ttabvue-91170857-OPP-32.pdf Ttabvue.uspto.gov]</ref>

In early 2007, Autodesk petitioned the USPTO to cancel the Open Design Alliance's "OpenDWG" trademarks, claiming that they had been abandoned.<ref>[http://ttabvue.uspto.gov/ttabvue/ttabvue-92047002-CAN-1.pdf Ttabvue.uspto.gov]</ref> This cancellation action was suspended pending disposition of Autodesk's US District Court suit against SolidWorks.<ref>[http://ttabvue.uspto.gov/ttabvue/ttabvue-92047002-CAN-53.pdf Ttabvue.uspto.gov]</ref>


In 2008, Autodesk sued SolidWorks in US District Court, arguing that through its marketing efforts, the term "DWG" has lost its original generic meaning and taken on a secondary meaning referring specifically to Autodesk's proprietary drawing file format, and therefore any use of "DWG" in competitive products amounted to trademark infringement.<ref>{{cite web|title=Docket -> 3:08-cv-04397 (Autodesk v. SolidWorks) |url=http://www.cadcourt.com/Docket/308cv04397AutodeskvSolidWorks.aspx|work=|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5jkOmUL6B|archivedate=2009-09-12|deadurl=no|accessdate=2009-09-10}}</ref> In January, 2010, on the morning that trial was scheduled to begin, Autodesk and SolidWorks settled the suit, with SolidWorks acknowledging Autodesk's trademark rights for DWG, surrendering its trademark registrations for its DWG related projects, and withdrawing its opposition to Autodesk's DWG-related trademark registrations.<ref>[http://worldcadaccess.typepad.com/blog/2010/01/complete-text-of-autodesks-press-release.html Complete text of Autodesk's press release - WorldCAD Access]</ref>
In 2008, Autodesk sued SolidWorks in US District Court, arguing that through its marketing efforts, the term "DWG" has lost its original generic meaning and taken on a secondary meaning referring specifically to Autodesk's proprietary drawing file format, and therefore any use of "DWG" in competitive products amounted to trademark infringement.<ref>{{cite web|title=Docket -> 3:08-cv-04397 (Autodesk v. SolidWorks) |url=http://www.cadcourt.com/Docket/308cv04397AutodeskvSolidWorks.aspx|work=|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5jkOmUL6B|archivedate=2009-09-12|deadurl=no|accessdate=2009-09-10}}</ref> In January, 2010, on the morning that trial was scheduled to begin, Autodesk and SolidWorks settled the suit, with SolidWorks acknowledging Autodesk's trademark rights for DWG, surrendering its trademark registrations for its DWG related projects, and withdrawing its opposition to Autodesk's DWG-related trademark registrations.<ref>[http://worldcadaccess.typepad.com/blog/2010/01/complete-text-of-autodesks-press-release.html Complete text of Autodesk's press release - WorldCAD Access]</ref>


In April, 2010, Autodesk and the Open Design Alliance settled their suit, with the Open Design Alliance agreeing to cancel its DWG-based trademark registrations and cease use of DWG and DWG-based trademarks in its product marketing and branding.<ref>[http://opendesign.com/node/542 ODA Members &#124; Open Design Alliance]</ref> Because there was no adjudication in either case, the agreements between the parties are not binding upon the [[USPTO]]. In March, 2010, the Office of the Deputy Commissioner for Trademark Examination Policy at the [[USPTO]] determined that evidence submitted by the Open Design Alliance two years earlier was relevant and supported a reasonable ground for refusal to register DWG as a trademark.<ref>[http://tmportal.uspto.gov/external/portal/tow?SRCH=Y&isSubmitted=true&details=&SELECT=US+Serial+No&TEXT=78852798# United States Patent & Trademark Office]</ref>
In April, 2010, Autodesk and the Open Design Alliance settled their suit, with the Open Design Alliance agreeing to cancel its DWG-based trademark registrations and cease use of DWG and DWG-based trademarks in its product marketing and branding.<ref>[http://opendesign.com/node/542 ODA Members &#124; Open Design Alliance]</ref> Because there was no adjudication in either case, the agreements between the parties are not binding upon the USPTO. In March, 2010, the Office of the Deputy Commissioner for Trademark Examination Policy at the USPTO determined that evidence submitted by the Open Design Alliance two years earlier was relevant and supported a reasonable ground for refusal to register DWG as a trademark.<ref>[http://tmportal.uspto.gov/external/portal/tow?SRCH=Y&isSubmitted=true&details=&SELECT=US+Serial+No&TEXT=78852798# United States Patent & Trademark Office]</ref>


In June, 2011 the [[USPTO]] issued a final refusal<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tarr.uspto.gov/servlet/tarr?regser=serial&entry=78852798|publisher=USPTO|accessdate=24 September 2011 |title=Latest Status Info }}</ref> to register DWG as a trademark owned by Autodesk. They were quoted as saying.<ref name="WorldCAD Access Blog">{{cite web|last=Grabowski|first=Ralph|title=WorldCAD Access|url=http://worldcadaccess.typepad.com/blog/2011/07/no-joy-for-autodesk-as-uspto-continues-to-agree-that-dwg-is-not-registerable.html|accessdate=24 September 2011}}</ref>
In June, 2011 the [[USPTO]] issued a final refusal<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tarr.uspto.gov/servlet/tarr?regser=serial&entry=78852798|publisher=USPTO|accessdate=24 September 2011 |title=Latest Status Info }}</ref> to register DWG as a trademark owned by Autodesk. They were quoted as saying:<ref name="WorldCAD Access Blog">{{cite web|last=Grabowski|first=Ralph|title=WorldCAD Access|url=http://worldcadaccess.typepad.com/blog/2011/07/no-joy-for-autodesk-as-uspto-continues-to-agree-that-dwg-is-not-registerable.html|accessdate=24 September 2011}}</ref>


{{ quote
:DWG is merely descriptive of applicant’s goods under Section 2(e)(1) of the Trademark Act for two reasons: (1) DWG is a recognized abbreviation for “drawing," and (2) .dwg is a file format used for computer-aided design (CAD) drawings made both with applicant’s CAD software and others’ CAD software.
| DWG is merely descriptive of applicant's goods under Section 2(e)(1) of the Trademark Act for two reasons: (1) DWG is a recognized abbreviation for “drawing," and (2) .dwg is a file format used for computer-aided design (CAD) drawings made both with applicant's CAD software and others' CAD software.
}}

Autodesk appealed the decision. The [[USPTO]] affirmed in 2013 their refusal to recognise DWG as a trademark.<ref>{{cite journal|title=SUMMARY OF FINAL DECISIONS ISSUED BY THE TRADEMARK TRIAL AND APPEAL BOARD |journal=OFFICIAL GAZETTE of the UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE|date=2013-11-05|volume=1396|page=47|url=http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/com/sol/og/2013/week45/TOC.htm|accessdate=31 January 2014}}</ref> Despite this, Autodesk websites still claimed DWG as a trademark after the decision.<ref>{{cite web|title=Service & Support : Viewers|url=http://usa.autodesk.com/support/viewers/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140131150419/http://usa.autodesk.com/support/viewers/|archivedate=2014-01-31|publisher=Autodesk, Inc|accessdate=31 January 2014}}</ref>

In late 2014 Autodesk again lost, this time at the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. The judge dismissed all their arguments.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Grabowski|first1=Ralph|title=upFront.eZine Issue #836|url=http://www.upfrontezine.com/2014/upf-836.htm|website=upfrontezine.com|accessdate=16 November 2014}}</ref>

== Support ==


==Freeware and open source viewers==
Autodesk DWG TrueView software is a freeware stand-alone DWG viewer with DWG TrueConvert software included, built on the same viewing engine as AutoCAD software. The freeware Autodesk Design Review software adds a possibility to open DWG files in Design Review to take advantage of measure and markup capabilities, sheet set organization, and status tracking.
Autodesk DWG TrueView software is a freeware stand-alone DWG viewer with DWG TrueConvert software included, built on the same viewing engine as AutoCAD software. The freeware Autodesk Design Review software adds a possibility to open DWG files in Design Review to take advantage of measure and markup capabilities, sheet set organization, and status tracking.


[[DraftSight]] is zero-cost CAD software from Dassault Systemes that lets users create, edit and view DWG files.
There are no [[open source]] viewers for DWG files since the licensing of the libraries needed by lx-viewer<ref>[http://lx-viewer.sourceforge.net/ Linux Drawing Viewer - DWG and DXF support]</ref> now restricts their use to members of the [[Open Design Alliance]].


There are no [[open source]] viewers for DWG files, although the [[LibreDWG]] project is working on [[free software]] libraries for DWG.<ref>[http://www.gnu.org/software/libredwg/ GNU LibreDWG]</ref>
==See also==

* [[AutoCAD DXF|DXF]], Autodesk's Drawing Exchange Format
== See also ==

* [[AutoCAD DXF]]
* [[CAD]]
* [[CAD]]
* [[Comparison of CAD software]] includes software which supports the DWG format.
* [[Comparison of CAD software]]
* [[Comparison of CAD, CAM and CAE file viewers]] includes viewers for the DWG format.
* [[Comparison of CAD, CAM and CAE file viewers]]
* [[Design Web Format|DWF]], Autodesk's Design Web Format
* [[Design Web Format]]
* [[GNU LibreDWG]] is a free implementation of the DWG format under development by the [[Free Software Foundation]]
* [[OpenDWG]]
* [[OpenDWG]]
* [[DraftSight]]


==References==
== References ==
{{Reflist|2}}
[http://www.arcpedia.com The Global Resources for Architects]


{{reflist|30em}}
==External links==

{{DMOZ|Computers/CAD_and_CAM/Drawing_Exchange_and_Interoperability/}}
== External links ==

* {{DMOZ|Computers/CAD_and_CAM/Drawing_Exchange_and_Interoperability/}}
* [http://www.fileinfo.com/extension/dwg .DWG File Extension]
* [http://www.fileinfo.com/extension/dwg .DWG File Extension]
* [http://www.gnu.org/software/libredwg/ LibreDWG] is a work in progress developing [[Free Software]] libraries to support DWG files.
* [http://www.dwgindir.com/ .DWG File Examples]

{{AutoCAD related articles}}
{{AutoCAD related articles}}
{{CAD software}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:.Dwg}}
[[Category:Autodesk]]
[[Category:Autodesk]]
[[Category:CAD file formats|DWG]]
[[Category:CAD file formats|DWG]]
[[Category:Computer file formats]]
[[Category:Computer file formats|DWG]]
[[Category:Filename extensions|DWG]]
[[Category:Filename extensions|DWG]]
[[Category:Open formats]]

[[ar:.dwg]]
[[bg:DWG]]
[[ca:DWG]]
[[cs:DWG]]
[[es:DWG]]
[[fr:DWG]]
[[ko:.dwg]]
[[it:AutoCAD DWG]]
[[ja:DWG]]
[[pl:DWG]]
[[pt:DWG]]
[[ru:DWG]]
[[sk:.dwg]]
[[sv:DWG]]
[[uk:DWG]]
[[zh:.dwg]]

Revision as of 15:00, 31 January 2015

"DWG" redirects here. For the cereal byproduct of the distillation process, see Distillers wet grains.
DWG
Filename extension
.dwg
Internet media type
application/acad
application/x-acad
application/autocad_dwg
image/x-dwg
application/dwg
application/x-dwg
application/x-autocad
image/vnd.dwg
drawing/dwg[1]
Developed byAutodesk, Open Design Alliance and others
Type of formatComputer-aided design

DWG (from drawing) is a binary file format used for storing two- and three- dimensional design data and metadata. It is the native format for several CAD packages including DraftSight, AutoCAD, IntelliCAD (and its variants), Caddie and Open Design Alliance compliant applications . In addition, DWG is supported non-natively by many other CAD applications. The .bak (drawing backup), .dws (drawing standards), .dwt (drawing template) and .sv$ (temporary automatic save) files are also DWG files.

In addition, the two companies will facilitate work process interoperability between their AEC applications through supporting the reciprocal use of available Application Programming Interfaces (APIs).[2]

Version history

Version Internal version AutoCAD versions
DWG R1.0 MC0.0 AutoCAD Release 1.0
DWG R1.2 AC1.2 AutoCAD Release 1.2
DWG R1.40 AC1.40 AutoCAD Release 1.40
DWG R2.05 AC1.50 AutoCAD Release 2.05
DWG R2.10 AC2.10 AutoCAD Release 2.10
DWG R2.21 AC2.21 AutoCAD Release 2.21
DWG R2.22 AC1001, AC2.22 AutoCAD Release 2.22
DWG R2.50 AC1002 AutoCAD Release 2.50
DWG R2.60 AC1003 AutoCAD Release 2.60
DWG R9 AC1004 AutoCAD Release 9
DWG R10 AC1006 AutoCAD Release 10
DWG R11/12 AC1009 AutoCAD Release 11, AutoCAD Release 12
DWG R13 AC1012 AutoCAD Release 13
DWG R14 AC1014 AutoCAD Release 14
DWG 2000 AC1015 AutoCAD 2000, AutoCAD 2000i, AutoCAD 2002
DWG 2004 AC1018 AutoCAD 2004, AutoCAD 2005, AutoCAD 2006
DWG 2007 AC1021 AutoCAD 2007, AutoCAD 2008, AutoCAD 2009
DWG 2010 AC1024 AutoCAD 2010, AutoCAD 2011, AutoCAD 2012
DWG 2013 AC1027 AutoCAD 2013, AutoCAD 2014, AutoCAD 2015

Legal issues

On 13 November 2006, Autodesk sued the Open Design Alliance alleging that its DWGdirect libraries infringed Autodesk's trademark for the word "Autodesk", by writing the TrustedDWG watermark (including the word "AutoCAD") into DWG files it created.[3] Nine days later, Autodesk's attorneys won a broad and deep temporary restraining order against the Open Design Alliance.[4] In April 2007, the suit was settled, essentially on Autodesk's terms, with Autodesk modifying the warning message in AutoCAD 2008 (to make it somewhat less alarming), and the Open Design Alliance removing support for writing the TrustedDWG watermark from its DWGdirect libraries. The effect of the temporary restraining order and subsequent consent decree was to render the Open Design Alliance's DWGdirect libraries, from one point of view, incapable of creating DWG files that are 100% compatible with AutoCAD. Others point out that the failure of "100% compatibility" means only that loading such a drawing triggers an essentially irrelevant warning message when the file is opened in AutoCAD.[5]

In 2006, Autodesk applied for registration of US trademarks on "DWG",[6][7] "DWG EXTREME",[8] "DWG TRUECONVERT",[9] "REALDWG",[10] "DWGX",[11] "DWG TRUEVIEW".[12][13] As early as 1996, Autodesk has disclaimed exclusive use of the DWG mark in US trademark filings.[14] Out of these applications, only TRUSTEDDWG has been registered as a trademark by the USPTO. The REALDWG and DWGX registrations were opposed by SolidWorks. The DWG EXTREME, DWG TRUECONVERT, and DWG TRUEVIEW trademark registration applications all received substantial resistance, with the USPTO examining attorney requiring Autodesk to disclaim exclusive use of DWG as a condition for their registration.

In a non-final action in May, 2007, the USPTO examining attorney refused to register the two DWG marks, as they are "merely descriptive" of the use of DWG as a file format name. In September, 2007, Autodesk responded, claiming that DWG has gained a "secondary meaning," separate from its use as a generic file format name.[15]

As of June 22, 2008, all of Autodesk's DWG-related trademark registration proceedings were suspended by the USPTO, pending disposition of trademark opposition and cancellation petitions Autodesk had filed against the Open Design Alliance and Dassault Systemes SolidWorks Corporation. The USPTO office actions notifying Autodesk of this noted the following as facts:

  1. DWG is a file format.
  2. Applicant is not the exclusive source of files with the format name DWG.
  3. Applicant does not control the use of DWG by others, either as a trademark or as a file format name.
  4. The submitted survey does not reflect recognition of DWG as a trademark, since no distinction was made between use as a trademark and

use as the name of a file format.

In 2006, Autodesk filed an opposition with the USPTO to the trademark registration of DWGGATEWAY by SolidWorks.[16] Autodesk subsequently filed a petition for cancellation of SolidWorks' trademark registration for DWGEDITOR.[17] In both cases, Autodesk's basis was that they had "been using the DWG name with its CAD software products since at least as early as 1983." The opposition and cancellation actions were consolidated, and suspended pending disposition of Autodesk's US District Court suit against SolidWorks.[18]

In early 2007, Autodesk petitioned the USPTO to cancel the Open Design Alliance's "OpenDWG" trademarks, claiming that they had been abandoned.[19] This cancellation action was suspended pending disposition of Autodesk's US District Court suit against SolidWorks.[20]

In 2008, Autodesk sued SolidWorks in US District Court, arguing that through its marketing efforts, the term "DWG" has lost its original generic meaning and taken on a secondary meaning referring specifically to Autodesk's proprietary drawing file format, and therefore any use of "DWG" in competitive products amounted to trademark infringement.[21] In January, 2010, on the morning that trial was scheduled to begin, Autodesk and SolidWorks settled the suit, with SolidWorks acknowledging Autodesk's trademark rights for DWG, surrendering its trademark registrations for its DWG related projects, and withdrawing its opposition to Autodesk's DWG-related trademark registrations.[22]

In April, 2010, Autodesk and the Open Design Alliance settled their suit, with the Open Design Alliance agreeing to cancel its DWG-based trademark registrations and cease use of DWG and DWG-based trademarks in its product marketing and branding.[23] Because there was no adjudication in either case, the agreements between the parties are not binding upon the USPTO. In March, 2010, the Office of the Deputy Commissioner for Trademark Examination Policy at the USPTO determined that evidence submitted by the Open Design Alliance two years earlier was relevant and supported a reasonable ground for refusal to register DWG as a trademark.[24]

In June, 2011 the USPTO issued a final refusal[25] to register DWG as a trademark owned by Autodesk. They were quoted as saying:[26]

DWG is merely descriptive of applicant's goods under Section 2(e)(1) of the Trademark Act for two reasons: (1) DWG is a recognized abbreviation for “drawing," and (2) .dwg is a file format used for computer-aided design (CAD) drawings made both with applicant's CAD software and others' CAD software.

Autodesk appealed the decision. The USPTO affirmed in 2013 their refusal to recognise DWG as a trademark.[27] Despite this, Autodesk websites still claimed DWG as a trademark after the decision.[28]

In late 2014 Autodesk again lost, this time at the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. The judge dismissed all their arguments.[29]

Support

Autodesk DWG TrueView software is a freeware stand-alone DWG viewer with DWG TrueConvert software included, built on the same viewing engine as AutoCAD software. The freeware Autodesk Design Review software adds a possibility to open DWG files in Design Review to take advantage of measure and markup capabilities, sheet set organization, and status tracking.

DraftSight is zero-cost CAD software from Dassault Systemes that lets users create, edit and view DWG files.

There are no open source viewers for DWG files, although the LibreDWG project is working on free software libraries for DWG.[30]

See also

References

  1. ^ "File Extension .DWG Details". Fileinfo — The File Extension Source. Computer Knowledge.
  2. ^ "Autodesk and Bentley to Advance AEC Software Interoperability". 2008-07-08. Archived from the original on 27 February 2009. Retrieved 2009-01-01.
  3. ^ Autodesk v. ODA
  4. ^ Autodesk v. ODA See line 35, Transcript
  5. ^ Autodesk v. ODA See line 50, Consent Judgment
  6. ^ "Latest Status Info". Archived from the original on 2009-09-12. Retrieved 2009-09-10. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  7. ^ Latest Status Info
  8. ^ Latest Status Info
  9. ^ Latest Status Info
  10. ^ Latest Status Info
  11. ^ Latest Status Info
  12. ^ Latest Status Info
  13. ^ DWG TrueConverter USA.autodesk.com
  14. ^ Latest Status Info
  15. ^ United States Patent & Trademark Office
  16. ^ "dwg#page1.tif". Archived from the original (PDF) on 2009-09-12. Retrieved 2009-09-10. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  17. ^ Ttabvue.uspto.gov
  18. ^ Ttabvue.uspto.gov
  19. ^ Ttabvue.uspto.gov
  20. ^ Ttabvue.uspto.gov
  21. ^ "Docket -> 3:08-cv-04397 (Autodesk v. SolidWorks)". Archived from the original on 2009-09-12. Retrieved 2009-09-10. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  22. ^ Complete text of Autodesk's press release - WorldCAD Access
  23. ^ ODA Members | Open Design Alliance
  24. ^ United States Patent & Trademark Office
  25. ^ "Latest Status Info". USPTO. Retrieved 24 September 2011.
  26. ^ Grabowski, Ralph. "WorldCAD Access". Retrieved 24 September 2011.
  27. ^ "SUMMARY OF FINAL DECISIONS ISSUED BY THE TRADEMARK TRIAL AND APPEAL BOARD". OFFICIAL GAZETTE of the UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE. 1396: 47. 2013-11-05. Retrieved 31 January 2014.
  28. ^ "Service & Support : Viewers". Autodesk, Inc. Archived from the original on 2014-01-31. Retrieved 31 January 2014.
  29. ^ Grabowski, Ralph. "upFront.eZine Issue #836". upfrontezine.com. Retrieved 16 November 2014.
  30. ^ GNU LibreDWG

External links

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=.dwg&oldid=644991454"