International IP Strategists Association Code of Conduct
Purpose of the Code
INTIPSA requires its members to accept and abide by its Code of Conduct as a condition of membership. The Code sets out the standards of professional conduct required. The standards concern integrity, honesty, self-discipline, diligence and professional competence. The Code is intended to give its members clear guidance about how to conduct themselves. It is also of value to potential customers and the wider business community by demonstrating the standard of behaviour they can expect of INTIPSA members.
To Whom Does The Code Apply?
The Code applies to all members of the International IP Strategists Association. Every member has a duty to accept and abide by this Code as a condition of membership.
1. Foundational Principles
Members of the International IP Strategists Association agree to:
- Maintain the highest standards of professional endeavour, integrity, confidentiality, financial propriety and personal conduct;
- Deal honestly and fairly in business with employers, employees, clients, fellow professionals, other professions and the public;
- Respect the customs, practices and codes of clients, employers, colleagues, fellow professionals and other professions in all countries where they practise;
- Take all reasonable care to ensure employment best practice including giving no cause for complaint of unfair discrimination on any grounds;
- Work within the legal and regulatory frameworks affecting the practice of IP business strategy in all countries where they practise;
- Encourage professional training and development among members of the profession;
- Conduct themselves in a manner that upholds the reputation of INTIPSA;
- Respect and abide by this Code and related Notes of Guidance issued by the Association and encourage others to do the same.
2. Principles of Good Practice
Fundamental to the practice of good IP business strategy are:
Integrity
- Honest and responsible regard for the public interest;
- Checking the reliability and accuracy of information before dissemination;
- Never knowingly misleading clients, employers, employees, colleagues and fellow professionals about the nature of their representation or interests;
- Supporting the INTIPSA Principles by bringing to the attention of INTIPSA examples of malpractice and unprofessional conduct.
- Acting at all times in a manner consistent with the objectives and interests of INTIPSA and not doing, saying, or omitting to do anything that might bring INTIPSA into disrepute.
Competence
- Being aware of the limitations of professional competence: without limiting realistic scope for development, being willing to accept or delegate only that work for which practitioners are suitably skilled and experienced;
- Where appropriate, collaborating on projects to ensure the necessary skill base.
Transparency and avoiding conflicts of interest
- Disclosing to employers, clients or potential clients any financial interest in a supplier being recommended or engaged;
- Declaring conflicts of interest (or circumstances which may give rise to them) in writing to clients, potential clients and employers as soon as they arise;
- Ensuring that services provided are costed and accounted for in a manner that conforms to accepted business practice and ethics.
Confidentiality
- Safeguarding the confidences of present and former clients and employers;
- Being careful to avoid using confidential and ‘insider’ information to the disadvantage or prejudice of clients and employers, or to self-advantage of any kind;
- Not disclosing confidential information unless specific permission has been granted or if required by law.
3. Maintaining Professional Standards
INTIPSA Members are encouraged to spread awareness and pride in the IP strategy profession where practicable by, for example:
- Identifying and closing professional skills gaps through Continuous Professional Development programmes;
- Offering work experience to students interested in pursuing a career in IP business strategy;
- Participating in the work of the Association through the committee structure, special interest and vocational groups, training and networking events;
- Encouraging employees and colleagues to join and support INTIPSA;
- Displaying the INTIPSA designatory letters on business stationery;
- Specifying a preference for INTIPSA applicants for staff positions advertised;
- Evaluating the practice of IP business strategy through quality management and quality assurance systems (e.g. ISO standards); and constantly striving to improve the quality of business performance;
- Sharing information on good practice with Members and, equally, referring perceived examples of poor practice to the Association.
4. Interpreting the Code
In the interpretation of this code, the Laws of England shall apply.
Matters raised under the Code will be investigated under our Disciplinary Procedure
