Theft, carelessness, and unnecessary waste have a direct impact on the corporation's profitability and, ultimately, on all of our jobs. Supplies and equipment purchased by the corporation are intended to be used for Nortel Networks business purposes only. Everyone involved in operating equipment bears a responsibility for understanding its proper use and maintaining it in good condition.
Information is a key corporate asset.
Inadvertent release of business or technical information to third parties may help our competitors by providing them with the technical solution to an important problem, or by allowing them to avoid costly research and development activities. If competitors gain even a very general sense of what we intend to bring to market, it may give them a head start in countering whatever advantages we might have had with our customers. Inappropriate handling of sensitive information or original ideas provided by third parties can lead to loss of trust and liability for damages. Use extra care in transmitting confidential materials via fax. And remember that our obligation to protect Nortel Networks' proprietary and confidential information continues even after we leave the company.