Supreme Court to Weigh In on CoStar and CREXi Battle Over Commercial Real Estate Data Rights – Thursday, December 11, 2025

The Supreme Court is poised to potentially intervene in the ongoing legal battle between CoStar and CREXi, a case that could fundamentally reshape the commercial real estate (CRE) data landscape. At the heart of the dispute are issues of data ownership and access, with far-reaching implications for how the industry manages and leverages critical information.

Who should care: city planners, smart city program managers, real estate technology leaders, mobility operations teams, and urban infrastructure decision-makers.

What happened?

The legal conflict between CoStar and CREXi has drawn significant attention because it challenges established norms around data practices in the commercial real estate sector. CoStar, a dominant provider of CRE data, alleges that CREXi has unlawfully used its proprietary information without authorization. This dispute has escalated through the courts and now stands on the brink of Supreme Court review, which could set a landmark precedent for data ownership and competitive conduct in the industry. Central to the case is the question of who controls and can legally utilize CRE data—a vital resource for market analysis, property valuation, and strategic decision-making. The resolution of this case will likely influence how data is shared, licensed, and monetized across the sector, affecting a broad range of stakeholders including brokers, investors, and technology providers. Should the Supreme Court agree to hear the case, its ruling could extend well beyond these two companies, potentially reshaping data governance policies and competitive dynamics throughout the CRE ecosystem.

Why now?

The timing of this potential Supreme Court intervention coincides with a broader industry shift toward data-driven decision-making in commercial real estate. Over the past 18 months, the sector has increasingly relied on comprehensive, accurate data to inform transactions, investment strategies, and operational planning. As reliance on data intensifies, disputes over ownership rights and access have become more frequent and contentious. This case exemplifies the urgent need for clear legal frameworks that define data use and competition in the CRE market, reflecting the evolving role of technology and information in shaping real estate outcomes.

So what?

The Supreme Court’s possible involvement in the CoStar versus CREXi dispute carries significant consequences for the commercial real estate industry. A ruling could establish new legal benchmarks for data ownership and competitive behavior, compelling CRE firms to reassess their data management and licensing practices. This may increase regulatory scrutiny over data-sharing agreements and encourage innovation in how data is collected, analyzed, and deployed. For urban planners and technology leaders, staying informed about these developments is essential, as changes in data access and control could directly impact smart city projects, real estate development strategies, and infrastructure planning. Adapting to these shifts will be critical for maintaining competitive advantage and ensuring compliance in a rapidly evolving data landscape.

What this means for you:

• For city planners: Stay alert to legal changes that could alter data availability, affecting urban planning and development initiatives.
• For smart city program managers: Anticipate potential shifts in data partnerships and access that may influence the design and execution of smart city solutions.
• For real estate technology leaders: Review and update data usage policies to align with emerging legal standards and mitigate compliance risks.

Quick Hits

• Impact / Risk: The Supreme Court’s decision could redefine data ownership rules, significantly influencing competitive dynamics within the CRE industry.
• Operational Implication: CRE firms may need to reevaluate their data strategies and partnerships to ensure alignment with new legal precedents.
• Action This Week: Conduct a thorough review of current data usage policies; brief executive teams on potential legal outcomes; and assess organizational readiness for changes in data access.