What can happen within MIPI Alliance if a member violates the confidentiality terms of their membership?
It could lead to suspension or termination of membership. See Article IV, Section 3 (d) of the MIPI Bylaws.
My company is a MIPI Alliance member and owns a subsidiary that makes related products. My colleague at the subsidiary wants to examine a MIPI Alliance specification. Do they have to join separately, or am I allowed to provide the document to them?
As discussed in the Membership FAQs, the subsidiary company is an affiliate of your company. In this case you are allowed to provide the document to the colleague at the affiliate, although MIPI Alliance encourages all active users to have their own user accounts on the MIPI Members Web site so they can access documents directly.
When a MIPI specification is implemented, can the source code of the implementation software be disclosed (such as may be the case of open source software)?
Yes, but the specification itself may not be disclosed unless otherwise allowed. Consult the MIPI Policy on Source Code Disclosures.
What if a member feels a disclosure is important and in the best interests of MIPI Alliance, but the circumstances for the disclosure are not specifically mentioned in the disclosure policy?
Request permission from the MIPI Alliance Board of Directors.
How much can be disclosed?
Only as much as is required, in the good faith judgment of the member. This is all described in detail in the MIPI Policy on Disclosure by MIPI Members of Board adopted MIPI Specifications. But read the disclosure policy carefully. Even when permitted there are important special requirements in the event of disclosure. For example, disclosure must include the MIPI Alliance copyright notice as it is contained in the specification.
Can a member disclose the content of a MIPI specification to customers?
There may also be disclosure to customers if it helps the customer develop and sell products for the member that comply with the MIPI specification(s). It is also allowed if it helps the customer provide support documentation for the member’s products. In these cases the customer must agree to keep the information confidential.
Can a member ever disclose the content of a MIPI specification?
Yes. For example, disclosure may be made to employees and contractors who have a need to know and are bound by confidentiality obligations.
Is the confidentiality obligation limited to specifications?
No, it extends to the confidential information generated during and from all MIPI Alliance activities.
Are MIPI specifications confidential?
Yes. All members of MIPI Alliance are bound to preserve the confidentiality of MIPI specifications. The confidentiality terms are defined, and certain exceptions are described, in Section 4 of the MIPI Membership Agreement. Review that section for the details.