> 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/foreground-ip.md).

# Foreground IP

### Definition

Foreground IP is intellectual property created specifically during a project.

### Treatment

Foreground IP treatment must be defined in the relevant contract or Statement of Work.

Possible models include:

* customer owns Foreground IP
* company owns Foreground IP and grants customer a licence
* shared ownership
* ownership split by deliverable type
* company retains reusable components and customer receives project-specific outputs

### Key Considerations

Before agreeing Foreground IP terms, consider:

* whether reusable company IP is embedded
* whether third-party IP is included
* whether customer data or confidential information is involved
* whether the output has future reuse value
* whether the customer requires ownership for operational reasons
* whether licensing is sufficient
* whether supplier IP is involved

### Operating Rule

Never assume Foreground IP ownership.

Always check the contract and Statement of Work.