Background IP

Definition

Background IP is intellectual property that existed before a project or was developed independently of a customer engagement. Our IP is defined by the AIC.* namespace

Examples

Background IP may include:

• templates

• frameworks

• accelerators

• software libraries

• reusable code

• architecture patterns

• delivery methods

• policies

• playbooks

• know-how

• tooling

• checklists

• training materials

Ownership

Background IP remains owned by the company unless expressly agreed otherwise in writing.

Customer Use

Where needed, a customer may receive a limited licence to use Background IP as part of the delivered solution.

The licence should be defined in the Framework Agreement or Statement of Work.

Protection Rules

• Do not copy reusable IP into customer-owned repositories unless approved.

• Do not mark company reusable IP as customer-owned.

• Do not include Background IP in deliverables without checking the IP position.

• Do not transfer ownership of Background IP by implication.

• Keep reusable assets in controlled repositories.