​3.3​ Object Creator

The object creator is the entity (e.g., system, organization, instance of a tool) that generates the id property for a given object. Object creators are represented as Identity objects. An embedded relationship to the Identity object representing the object creator MAY be captured in the created_by_ref property (or that property can be left blank, meaning the object creator is anonymous).

Entities that re-publish an object from another entity without making any changes to the object, and thus maintaining the original id,are not considered the object creator and MUST NOT change the created_by_ref property. An entity that accepts objects and republishes them with modifications, additions, or omissions MUST create a new id for the object. They are considered the object creator of the new object for purposes of versioning.