Intellectual property
Intellectual Property Policy
Understand the framework that applies to contributions, Alliance work products and essential intellectual property rights.
Scope and status
This local page summarises CHERI Alliance CIC IP Policy version 1.01, dated August 2024. The policy applies to Alliance activities, committees and working groups unless the Alliance states otherwise in writing. Defined terms in the full policy—including Contribution, Essential IPR, Project, Standard, Undertaking and Work Product—carry specific legal meanings.
This summary supports navigation and preparation; it does not replace the complete policy or legal advice.
Contributions and work products
Members are not required to contribute, and the Alliance is not required to use a contribution. A member providing material represents, to the best of its knowledge, that it has the necessary rights. Contributions are generally non-confidential and provided without broad warranties. The policy describes copyright licences that allow the Alliance, members and implementers to evaluate, develop, publish and use contributions in relevant standards and compliant implementations.
Essential IPR declarations
Participants should understand when intellectual property could be essential to implementing an adopted work product. The policy sets out declaration processes, treatment of potentially essential patents, what happens if a member does not declare, and when a refusal to license may affect participation rights. Do not assume that a copyright licence also grants a patent licence.
Licensing and non-assertion
The policy includes non-assertion obligations in relation to Alliance publications and a framework for licensing essential IPR on fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory terms, subject to stated exceptions and possible reciprocity. It also addresses transfers, successors, independently developed patents and viable alternatives where essential IPR is unavailable.