INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY POLICY

TABLE OF CONTENT

Introduction …………………………………………………………………………………...........………..……3
Scope …………………………………………………………………………………………..….…….……….……3
Objectives …………………………………………………………………………………….........….……………3
Classification ………………………………………………………………................………….…….…………4
Key Stakeholders ………………………………………………………………………….................…………4
Risk Assessment …………………………………………………………………………………...............……4
Ownership …………………………………………………………………………………………………….........…6
Communication …………………………………………………………………………………….........………7
Responsibility of Employees …………………………………………………................................……8
Confidential Agreement …………………………………………………………......................…………8
Guidelines for Documentation …………………………………………..............................…………8
Repository …………………………………………………………………………........…………………………9
Agreement ……………………………………………………………………………..…………………………10
Recommendation for Repository and Agreement …….........................................………11
Security Measures ………………………………………………………………...............…………………12
Policy Violation …………………………………………………………………….................………………12
Policy Review and Update ………………………………………………….......................……………14
Appendix ……………………………………………………………………………..……………………………15
Stakeholder Signoff ……………………………………………………………...................………………15

S/N	Risk	Description	Mitigation
1	Employee Turnover and Information Leakage.	When employees leave the company, they may take valuable knowledge, trade secrets, or ideas with them, potentially leading to the unauthorized use of IP.	Include a non-disclosure clause in employee exit forms to remind departing employees of their confidentiality obligations. Implement non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) for all employees (new and old) with access to sensitive IP. Restrict access to critical IP to only those with an official email address. Implement access controls based on individual roles.
2.	Cybersecurity Breaches and Data Theft.	Unauthorized access to our systems could lead to theft or exposure of sensitive intellectual property.	· Implement robust cybersecurity measures, including firewalls, encryption, etc · Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities. · Train employees on best practices for data security and the importance of keeping IP confidential.
3.	Inadequate IP Protections.	Failing to secure patents, trademarks, or copyrights can leave our IP vulnerable to infringement.	· Conduct regular IP audits to ensure all valuable assets are properly protected. · Use protection strategies detailed in this document and provided by the legal department. · Monitor IP rights and taking legal action against infringements when necessary.
4.	Inadequate Employee Training.	Employees may unintentionally disclose sensitive information or fail to recognize the value of certain IP assets.	· Provide regular training on the importance of IP protection and the specific policies and procedures in place. · Train employees on the guidelines for handling confidential information and reporting any potential breaches.
5.	Infringement by Competitors or Third Parties.	Other companies may infringe on our IP rights, potentially diluting our brand or devaluing our innovations.	· Monitor the market for potential infringements and take timely legal action if violations are identified. · Consider defensive strategies like countersuing or licensing agreements to protect our IP.