> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://framework.aic.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://framework.aic.io/company-operating-manual/intellectual-property-and-accelerators.md).

# Intellectual Property and Accelerators

### Purpose

Our intellectual property strategy allows us to deliver faster while protecting the company’s long-term value.

We use reusable IP to accelerate projects, reduce cost, improve quality, and avoid rebuilding common assets.

### IP Categories

We classify IP into the following categories:

* Background IP
* Foreground IP
* Customer IP
* Third-party IP
* Open-source components
* Reusable delivery accelerators
* Project-specific know-how

### IP Principles

* We protect our Background IP.
* We define Foreground IP treatment in the contract or Statement of Work.
* We do not transfer reusable company assets unless explicitly agreed.
* We avoid accidental IP leakage.
* We maintain records of reusable assets.
* We respect customer confidentiality and customer-owned materials.
* We assess third-party and open-source components before use.
* We improve reusable IP after each engagement where appropriate.

### How IP Speeds Up Projects

Reusable IP allows us to start faster and deliver with more confidence.

Examples include:

* reference architectures
* delivery playbooks
* Statement of Work templates
* discovery question sets
* security control packs
* engineering templates
* reusable components
* integration patterns
* test scripts
* data models
* governance templates
* acceptance criteria libraries
* project mobilisation checklists

### Operating Rule

Reusable IP may be used to accelerate delivery, but its ownership, licensing, and permitted use must remain controlled.