Blackberry 2012 Annual Report Download - page 259

We Market Our Products with Integrity
As part of the RIM culture, it is imperative that we promote our products in ways that are consistent with our brand’s reputation for
integrity, reliability and craftsmanship. We will market our products and services based on their unique characteristics, innovation and
quality. We will not engage in any false or misleading advertising, or otherwise misrepresent our products and services. Our
reputation, which is paramount to our success in the industry, depends on the best practices of fair dealing.
We Do Not Allow Bribes and Other Improper Payments
RIM competes in the marketplace through the quality of our products, the skills of our people and our ability to provide goods and
services at competitive prices. We do not “buy” business from public officials or other persons that we deal with in the course of our
daily business. Our business dealings with public officials and other representatives must have a legitimate business purpose. These
interactions must also comply with all applicable anti-corruption laws. This means that we may never make, promise, offer or
authorize a bribe, kickback, facilitation payment or other improper payment in connection with RIM’s business. Consequences for
violating anti-corruption laws are severe. They include fines and possible jail time for anyone who makes, or attempts to make, such
payments. For more information about anti-corruption laws and improper payments, please see our Prevention of Improper Payments
Policy. You may also contact the Legal Department at [e-mail].
Q: It can be difficult to meet RIM’s high ethical standards and maintain our competitive standing at the same time. Chantal is certain
to lose a big contract if she refuses to pay a small bribe to a foreign government official. She wants to do what’s best for RIM, but
isn’t sure what to do—is it better to sacrifice our values to secure business, or uphold our integrity and lose money?
A: Most anti-corruption laws do not allow bribery, no matter how small the bribe is. RIM would much rather lose business if gaining
it requires bribery or other unethical means. No contract is worth violating the law or our high standards of business ethics. The
potential long-term damage to our reputation and integrity is much more harmful than the short-term gain of winning the contract.
Chantal must also report the incident to the Legal Department at [e-mail].
Who is Considered a “Public Official”?
In order to understand and comply with the anti-corruption laws that govern our work, it is important to know who qualifies as a
public official. A “public official” is anyone who is an officer or employee of a national, state, provincial or local
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