Blackberry 2012 Annual Report Download - page 252

Q: Ramon, a RIM developer, is thinking about developing a smartphone application in his spare time. He has an innovative idea that
he thinks could be very profitable for him. In his excitement, Ramon would like to begin work right away. Is there anything he should
do before starting development?
A: Yes. While it is tempting to begin work right away, Ramon should disclose his intention to develop the application before he starts
development, so that it can be discussed in light of the RIM Employee/Consultant Confidentiality and Intellectual Property
A
greement, and other parts of this Code. He should contact the legal department at [e-mail].
We Avoid Conflict of Interest Situations
Performing with integrity for RIM means we actively avoid conflict of interest situations. A “conflict of interest” arises when we—or
an immediate family member who resides with us—takes an action or has an interest that may interfere with or impact RIM’s
interests or our position at RIM. Such conflicts of interest could make it difficult for us to perform our work objectively and
efficiently, and ultimately could negatively affect our Company’s overall success. Each of us needs to avoid any situation that creates
a conflict of interest, or even the appearance of a conflict, unless we make a full disclosure of all facts and circumstances, and obtain
the approval described below.
To determine if a conflict of interest exists, or would appear to exist, we should consider:
If you know of a possible conflict, you must disclose all facts and circumstances immediately to your manager and seek formal
written approval before proceeding. Members of the board of directors and officers must obtain approval from the Audit & Risk
Management Committee of the board of directors. All other employees must obtain approval from the Chief Financial Officer, the
Chief Legal Officer, or anyone he or she may designate. You can seek these approvals by disclosing a real or potential conflict of
interest, by contacting the Legal Department at [e-mail]. The following sections provide additional guidance on
some of the more common situations where a conflict, or potential conflict, may arise.
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• The nature of our res
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onsibilities at RIM and our abilit
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to affect the outcome of a transaction or business arran
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ement
•
The nature of responsibility of the other individual or party, and their ability to affect the outcome of a transaction or business
arran
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