1. Introduction
The purpose of this Intellectual Property Policy is to establish guidelines and procedures for the ownership, protection, and use of intellectual property (IP) created or acquired by DAPL (formerly known as Digital Aptech Pvt Ltd). This policy applies to all employees, contractors, consultants, and other individuals involved with DAPL.
2. Scope
This policy covers all forms of intellectual property, including but not limited to patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets, and proprietary information, created or developed during the course of employment or engagement with DAPL.
3. Definitions
3.1 Intellectual Property (IP): Refers to creations of the mind, such as inventions, literary and artistic works, designs, symbols, names, and images used in commerce.
3.2 Invention: Any new and useful process, machine, manufacture, or composition of matter, or any new and useful improvement thereof.
3.3 Proprietary Information: Confidential or sensitive business information, including trade secrets, financial information, business plans, and customer data.
3.4 Work Product: Any work created by an employee or contractor as part of their employment or engagement with DAPL, including software, documentation, designs, and other creative outputs.
4. Ownership of Intellectual Property
4.1 Employee-Created IP: All intellectual property created or developed by employees during the course of their employment with DAPL shall be the exclusive property of DAPL. This includes any inventions, discoveries, designs, works of authorship, or trade secrets developed using company resources or within the scope of employment.
4.2 Contractor-Created IP: All intellectual property created or developed by contractors, consultants, or other third parties engaged by DAPL shall be owned by DAPL, provided that such IP is developed as part of their engagement with DAPL.
4.3 Prior IP: Employees and contractors must disclose any pre-existing intellectual property to DAPL at the start of their employment or engagement. Such prior IP will remain the property of the individual, unless otherwise agreed in writing.
5. Disclosure of Intellectual Property
5.1 Employees and contractors must promptly disclose any inventions, discoveries, or works of authorship developed during the course of their employment or engagement with DAPL to the company. Disclosure should be made in writing to the employee’s supervisor or the designated IP officer.
6. Protection of Intellectual Property
6.1 Patents: DAPL may seek patent protection for inventions developed by employees or contractors. The decision to file for a patent shall be at the discretion of DAPL.
6.2 Copyrights: DAPL retains the copyright to all works of authorship created by employees or contractors during their employment or engagement. This includes software code, documentation, designs, and other creative works.
6.3 Trademarks: DAPL will register and protect trademarks and service marks used in connection with its products and services.
6.4 Trade Secrets: DAPL will take reasonable measures to protect the confidentiality of its trade secrets and proprietary information. Employees and contractors are required to sign non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) as a condition of employment or engagement.
7. Use of Company IP
7.1 Internal Use: Employees and contractors may use DAPL’s intellectual property only for purposes related to their employment or engagement. Unauthorized use or distribution of company IP is strictly prohibited.
7.2 External Use: Any use of DAPL’s intellectual property by third parties must be authorized in writing by DAPL. This includes licensing, partnerships, and other forms of collaboration.
8. Intellectual Property Rights Assignment
8.1 Employees and contractors agree to assign all rights, title, and interest in any intellectual property created or developed during the course of their employment or engagement with DAPL to the company.
8.2 Employees and contractors shall execute all necessary documents and provide reasonable assistance to enable DAPL to secure and protect its intellectual property rights.
9. Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights
9.1 DAPL will take appropriate legal action to enforce its intellectual property rights against unauthorized use, infringement, or misappropriation.
9.2 Employees and contractors must report any suspected infringement or misuse of DAPL’s intellectual property to the designated IP officer.
10. Exit Procedures
10.1 Upon termination of employment or engagement, employees and contractors must return all company property, including any documents, materials, or devices containing DAPL’s intellectual property.
10.2 Employees and contractors must continue to protect the confidentiality of DAPL’s intellectual property even after their employment or engagement has ended.
11. Training and Awareness
11.1 DAPL will provide regular training and awareness programs to employees and contractors on intellectual property policies and best practices.
12. Policy Review and Updates
12.1 This Intellectual Property Policy will be reviewed regularly and updated as necessary to ensure it remains relevant and effective.
13. Contact Information
For any questions or concerns regarding this Intellectual Property Policy, please contact:
Intellectual Property Officer: process@digitalaptech.com
