Labman Secrecy and Intellectual Property Policy
Secrecy and Confidentiality
We work on many secret projects where it is very important that the customer's competitors do not find out any details. Most of our projects have confidential aspects so each of our employees has signed a binding confidentiality agreement. There is often still an opportunity for us to show new prospective customers an overview video or some of the particular techniques in isolation so long as the system detail and the users name is kept confidential.
Labman can quickly provide secrecy agreements (confidentiality agreements, non disclosure agreements or NDA's) or can agree to customer documentation. Two copies are made and signed by both parties with each party holding a copy. The enforcement time often varies between 5 and 10 years and is sometimes unlimited.
Intellectual Property
The Intellectual Property for a system or machine usually resides with the purchaser. They have invested in the process and gained valuable knowledge. The IP is often very specific with bespoke projects and generally won't suit generic users. However, for other customers who want a copied system Labman has agreements in place that pay a royalty.
Functionality within a system is not commonly included as part of the IP. This is because any particular technique is often applicable to other processes. If Labman were to transfer IP in the automation techniques we would very quickly loose the ability to make anything. However, in some circumstances a technique may be already controlled by a customer or they may request that it's IP be retained and Labman is very happy to oblige.