NATD/IATD Statement of Business Ethics 2006

            The North-American Association of Telecommunications Dealers and the International Association of Telecommunications Dealers represent the interests of a diverse cross section of the telecommunications marketplace including authorized and secondary market telecommunications resellers, solution providers, technical support companies, leasing companies, service providers, software vendors, manufacturers and maintenance providers.  Recognizing that good business ethics are important to a healthy marketplace, the NATD/IATD adopted a Code of Ethics which reflects the dedication of its members to maintain the highest level of ethical and professional conduct toward their fellow members, the industry, the customer/end-user and the public at large.  NATD and IATD members hold the Code of Ethics above all else when it comes to doing business. 

            It is a cornerstone of the Code of Ethics that ethics come before profits.  Today, more than ever NATD/IATD members continue to reaffirm their commitment to this principal with regard to the following practices which are becoming more and more prevalent in the telecommunications marketplace.

Infringement:

Infringement of a manufacture’s intellectual property rights through any method including trafficking in software without a license, reverse engineering software, manufacturing or modifying hardware in a manner resulting in infringement of existing patent rights or infringement of trademark rights is a violation of the Code of Ethics.

Counterfeit and/or Stolen Product:

Knowingly dealing in counterfeit or stolen products is a violation of the Code of Ethics.

Historically, manufacturers have notified the NATD/IATD with serial numbers of counterfeit or stolen equipment enabling members to avoid exposure to potential loss and to facilitate cooperation with law enforcement in recovering “the goods.”  NATD/IATD and their members continue to encourage all manufacturers to share information about stolen and counterfeit equipment, parts and sub-assemblies to limit harm to the industry and to the public at large.

NATD Ethics Policy 2006 08-15-06.doc