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Corporate Code of Ethics > Part II - Our Business Relationships
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PART II - BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS
Marketing, Advertising and Business Practices
We are a customer-focused organization. We operate our business based on meeting the surgical needs of various types of patients and in partnership with surgeons. Our goal is to bring value by improving surgical outcomes through our technology. Essential to our values is consideration of customer requirements in everything we do and in every decision we make.
Integrity and trust are the roots of LifeCell’s marketing, advertising and sales practices. We work honestly and in good faith with our customers and partners to build long-lasting business relationships. Our sales and marketing materials must be both accurate and informative. Products will be represented in a way that is consistent with our stated values; that is, we will not misrepresent data or product information. We need to make every effort to base these materials on documented scientific facts, and maintain compliance with regulatory agencies. All sales and marketing literature must be pre-approved, and be in accordance with the Company's formal Quality Assurance Change Control policies in effect at the time. In all of our advertising and marketing materials, we will not sacrifice integrity to make or maintain sales.
Our Business Associates
Our collective efforts are driven by the needs of our customers. LifeCell initiates business partnerships to understand these needs, to realistically set and achieve expectations, and to enhance our product distribution and development position. We expect our partners to conduct business dealings in an atmosphere of good faith and integrity, devoid of intentional misrepresentation. We expect honesty in all business communications and transactions, including engaging in an environment that fosters fair, ethical, and legal trade practices. We also expect our partners to maintain confidentiality, and engage only in ethical business relationships that protect our Company, our employees and business associates.
Every employee and business partner must strive to maximize value, giving first consideration to the objectives and interests of our Company.
Gifts and Business Gratuities
The giving and receiving of gifts, payments, and business gratuities (including meals and entertainment), in either our internal or external business relationships are governed by applicable laws and Company standards. Such gifts must have a valid business purpose, be modest, appropriate, and infrequent, and they must not influence, or appear to influence, business decisions. No gifts or business gratuities may be given unless compliant with local laws and LifeCell policies.
To ensure that business decisions, transactions and services are provided on an objective and professional basis, each of us must decline personal gifts, services, discounts, gratuities, or improper favors that would benefit ourselves or any members of our family.
Competition
In order for LifeCell Corporation to continue growing in the biotechnology field, we must be competitive. Our desire to be competitive is tempered by respect for our competitors, local laws, and general fair practice. In order to gain a competitive advantage, we will not misrepresent our Company, our intent or ourselves. In addition, we will not accept information or other benefits that have been acquired by illegal or unethical means.
Intellectual Property
Our intellectual property - patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, and other proprietary information - is among LifeCell’s most valued assets. It is the Company’s policy to establish, maintain, and protect its rights in all commercially significant intellectual property, and to use such rights responsibly. LifeCell Team Members must take appropriate steps to safeguard these assets. In addition to protecting LifeCell’s intellectual property, Team Members have a duty to respect the intellectual property rights of others, and to consult with Senior Management if they have questions regarding the establishment, use, or infringement of intellectual property. These provisions are in addition to any requirements in our LifeCell Team Member Handbook and the terms of any intellectual property agreement entered into between LifeCell and the employee.
Compliance with Laws and Regulations
Our business is subject to extensive regulation from governments around the world. Statutes and regulations cover many aspects of our business, including the processing and distribution of human tissue for transplantation. It is LifeCell’s policy to comply with the laws of each country in which we do business. It is the responsibility of every LifeCell Team Member to be familiar with, and comply with, laws and regulations that relate to their business responsibilities.
If a Team Member is unclear on whether a transaction or proposed action complies with applicable statutes or regulations, it is his/her responsibility to consult with LifeCell’s Chief Financial Officer. This individual will assist in obtaining appropriate advice from LifeCell’s outside legal counsel, as warranted under the circumstances.
Compliance with Antitrust, Fair Competition and Anti-Monopoly Laws
It is the policy of LifeCell that all employees or agents will comply fully with all laws regarding Antitrust, Fair Competition, and Monopoly. It is the responsibility of all employees who conduct business in areas where these laws apply to be aware of such laws, their implications, and their impact on the Company. Any questions regarding the propriety of the business activities of LifeCell Corporation, its agents, associates, business partners, suppliers, or competitors should be immediately brought to the attention of Senior Management. |
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