Understanding BIM Data Rights: What You Create vs. What You Integrate

Last week’s article about BIM data ownership sparked a great discussion—especially around a key distinction that often gets overlooked:

The difference between data you create and data you integrate.

In a typical BIM project, two types of data come together:

1. Created Data

   This is information generated specifically for the project: architectural designs, engineering models, spatial planning, coordination files, and so on. The project team creates this data, and ownership typically lies with the project owner or the author of the data (or the company the author works for). Sometimes this is contractually specified otherwise.

2. Integrated Data

   This is information imported into the BIM model, such as products from manufacturers. Imagine you import a library object from a supplier, either by downloading it from a website, or using some kind of library. You integrate specifications, material properties, maybe even maintenance instructions from manufacturers and suppliers.

   Ownership of this data usually remains with its original source — the manufacturer, importer, or supplier.

Understanding this distinction is crucial.

Even if you own the BIM file, you don’t automatically own all the content inside it. The right to use integrated product data (or any kind of data) depends on the license under which it was provided.

You should always be clear about:

• Who owns the original product data/information

• Under which license are you allowed to use, share, or modify it

• What obligations exist regarding updates, re-use, or redistribution

👉 Do you know under which conditions you are allowed to integrate external product data into your project?

Practical Steps for Managing Created and Integrated Data

If you want to avoid future risks, here are a few practical things you can do:

✅ Ask for license information when integrating external data

Always check (and record) under which license product data is shared. Is it free to use? Can you modify it? Are there restrictions?

✅ Keep a data inventory

Maintain a simple record of which parts of your model contain external data, and what the associated rights and obligations are.

✅ Plan for long-term management early

Think beyond design and construction: ensure that the data you depend on today remains usable, accessible, and legal 10 or 20 years from now.

Are others allowed to use your data?

Using data that is owned by others also works the other way around:

When you share your own BIM data—whether it’s design models, your created object libraries, or specifications—you also impose certain rights and conditions on others. Your project partners coordinate their work using your data, relying on the terms you have set (explicitly or implicitly).

👉 Do you realise under which terms and conditions (license) you are sharing your own BIM data with others?

Without clear understanding and proper agreements, the value and usability of BIM data can be undermined—especially when assets move into long-term use, operations, and maintenance phases.

✅ Define the licensing terms for your own BIM deliverables

Make clear to your project partners under which conditions they are allowed to use, share, or modify your data. Include this in your contracts or BIM Execution Plan (BEP).

Chaos in your data? Your business is at risk!

Last week, we stated that you don’t only need to own your BIM data—you also need to control it. This week, we add an essential point: when you don’t own the data you use, you must be clear on how you are allowed to use it. Later we will cover the implications of generative AI on your BIM handover. Who owns the data that AI created? Who is liable for it in a construction project?

In the world of BIM, data chaos is not just a technical risk—it’s a business liability.

Your data is one of your most valuable business assets—treat it like one.