Building Information Modelling and Intellectual Propertization: A Revolutionary Nirvana or a Disillusionment?

Abstract

Building information modelling (BIM) epitomizes the capacity of a construction project team to deliver satisfactory project outcomes through process integration and multi-disciplinary collaboration by using virtual modeling platforms. Its reputation in design and construction practices and theories is tremendous. The change includes new dimensions to how discipline- specific data are generated and shared across multiple discipline boundaries. This premise needs some clarifications – e.g. how do integration and collaboration impact tort in BIM? In addition, clarifications are also needed regarding intricacies on ownership and intellectual property of multi-disciplinary data, valuation of discipline-specific services and the implications of shared trusts in an integrated platform. This essay elicits the legal ramifications of certain challenges that have characterized BIM deliverables, namely; integration, ownership of intellectual property, and securitization of processes and outcomes in BIM platforms.