Blackberry 2012 Annual Report Download - page 261

Consequences for violating trade control laws and regulations can be severe for both RIM and the individuals involved, including the
loss of export privileges, substantial fines and possible civil and criminal penalties.
Q: Ernesto, a RIM software developer, is flying overseas on a last-minute business trip. He needs to take several pre-release
BlackBerry smartphones, which contain a significant amount of company proprietary information. Can Ernesto leave the country
without obtaining an export license?
A: It depends. He needs to consult with RIM’s International Trade Controls and Compliance group of the Legal Department by
sending an email to [e-mail]. He will be advised on the proper procedure to export the devices and whether any
export permits are required before leaving the country with the BlackBerry smartphones.
Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing
RIM does not engage in financing organizations known or suspected to be involved with terrorists or other illegal conspiracies. Due
to our international presence and industry-focus on international communications, we must be mindful of the potential for use of our
technology for illicit or illegal purposes. Our Company is proactive in seeking out such use, and works with local and international
authorities whenever possible to eliminate these activities.
We Obtain and Use Third-Party Information Appropriately
We have a duty to protect the confidentiality of information that we receive from our business partners and other third parties. This
responsibility usually arises under a non-disclosure agreement between RIM and such parties. We must abide by the terms of all non-
disclosure agreements that we sign with our business partners or other third parties, just as we expect them to abide by ours.
We must also never attempt to obtain confidential information by any improper means. While we value the experience of fellow team
members who have previously worked for a competitor, we recognize and respect the obligations of those employees not to disclose
the confidential information of their previous employer to RIM.
Additionally, customers and other third parties may provide us with their personal information. Personal information refers to
information about an identifiable individual. This information must be appropriately and securely handled. For example, we limit
access to personal information to those with a need to know it and keep it in secure locations and systems. For more information on
how we may use the personal information of third parties, please refer to our Privacy Policy at
http://www.blackberry.com/legal/privacy.shtml.
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