We wish you the best in your future endeavors and thank you for your contributions to the Company.
EXHIBIT B
PROPRIETARY INFORMATION
AND INVENTIONS AGREEMENT
The following confirms the following agreement between me and XILINX __________[insert legal entity name of local employer], a __________[describe Xilinx organizational entity](the “Company”) which is a material part of the consideration for my employment by the Company:
A. I understand that the Company possesses Proprietary Information that is important to its business and the business of its Affiliates. For purposes of this agreement “Affiliates” include any legal entity that controls or is controlled by the Company or is under common control with the Company. “Proprietary Information” is information that was developed, created, or discovered by the Company and/or its Affiliates, or which became known by, or was conveyed to the Company and/or its Affiliates, and which has commercial value in the business of the Company and its Affiliates. “Proprietary Information” includes, but is not limited to, trade secrets, copyrightable subject matter, mask works, discoveries, ideas, techniques, know-how, confidential information, inventions (whether patentable or not), and/or any other information of any type relating to designs, configurations, toolings, documentation, recorded data, schematics, source code, object code, master works, master databases, algorithms, flow charts, formulae, circuits, works of authorship, mechanisms, research, manufacture, improvements, assembly, installation, marketing, forecasts, pricing, customers, the salaries, duties, qualifications, performance levels, and terms of compensation of other employees, and/or cost or other financial data concerning any of the foregoing or the Company and its Affiliates and their operations generally. I understand that my employment creates a relationship of confidence and trust between me and the Company with respect to Proprietary Information.
B. I understand that the Company possesses “Company Documents” which are important to its business and the business of its Affiliates. For purposes of this Agreement, “Company Documents” are documents or other media that contain Proprietary Information or any other information concerning the business, operations or plans of the Company and/or its Affiliates, whether such documents have been prepared by me or by others. Company Documents include, but are not limited to, blueprints, drawings, photographs, charts, graphs, notebooks, customer list, computer disks, tapes or printouts, sound recordings and other printed, typewritten or handwritten documents.
C. I understand that the Company has received and in the future will receive from third parties confidential or proprietary information of such third parties (“Third Party Information”) subject to a duty on the Company’s part to maintain the confidentiality of such information, and to use it only for certain limited purposes.
D. In consideration of my employment by the Company and the compensation received by me from the Company from time to time, I hereby agree as follows:
1. All Proprietary Information and all patents, copyrights and other rights in connection therewith shall be the sole property of the Company. I hereby assign to the Company any rights I may have or acquire in such Proprietary Information.
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At all times both during my employment by the Company and after termination of such employment, I will keep in confidence and trust and will not use, disclose, lecture upon, or publish any Proprietary Information or anything relating to it without the prior written consent of an officer of the Company, except as may be necessary in the ordinary course of performing my duties to the Company. At all times both during my employment by the Company and after termination of such employment, I will keep in confidence and trust and will not use or disclose any Third Party Information, except as may be necessary in the ordinary course of performing my duties to the Company, unless expressly authorized by an officer of the Company in writing. Nothing contained herein will prohibit an employee from disclosing to anyone the amount of his other wages.
2. All Company Documents shall be the sole property of the Company. I agree that during my employment by the Company, I will not remove any Company Documents from the business premises of the Company or deliver any Company Documents to any person or entity outside the Company, except as I am required to do in connection with performing the duties of my employment. I further agree that, immediately upon the termination of my employment by me or by the Company for any reason, or during my employment if so requested by the Company, I will return all Company Documents, apparatus, equipment and other physical property, or any reproduction of such property regardless in the form so made, excepting only (i) my personal copies of records relating to my compensation; (ii) my personal copies of any materials previously distributed generally to stockholders of the Company; and (iii) my copy of this Agreement. I further agree that in the event of my termination for any reason, I agree to sign and deliver the “Termination Certification” attached hereto as Exhibit A and/or any other termination statement reasonably required by the Company.
3. I will promptly disclose in writing to my immediate supervisor, with a copy to the Director of Intellectual Property for Xilinx, Inc., or to any persons designated by the Company, all “Inventions”, which includes all improvements, inventions, works of authorship, mask works, computer programs, formulae, ideas, processes, techniques, know-how and data, whether or not patentable, made or conceived or reduced to practice or developed by me, either alone or jointly with others, during the term of my employment. I will also disclose to my immediate supervisor and the Vice President of Intellectual Property for Xilinx, Inc. all things that would be Inventions if made during the term of my employment, conceived, reduced to practice, or developed by me within six (6) months of the termination of my employment with the Company. Such disclosures shall be received by the Company in confidence and do not extend the assignment made in Section 4 below. I will not disclose Inventions to any person outside the Company or its Affiliates unless I am permitted or authorized to do so by the Vice President of Intellectual Property for Xilinx, Inc.
4. I agree that all Inventions which I make, conceive, reduce to practice or develop (in whole or in part, either alone or jointly with others) during my employment shall be the sole and exclusive property of the Company to the maximum extent permitted by Section 2870 of the California Labor Code, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit B, and I hereby assign such Inventions and all rights therein to the Company. No assignment in this Agreement shall extend to inventions, the assignment of which is prohibited by Labor Code section 2870. The Company shall be the sole owner of all patents, copyrights and other intellectual property or other rights in connection therewith. I acknowledge that all original works of authorship which are made by me (solely or jointly with others) within the scope of my employment and which are protectable by copyright are “works made for hire,” as that term is defined in the United States Copyright Act (17 U.S.C., Section 101).
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5. I agree to perform, during and after my employment, all acts deemed necessary or desirable by the Company to permit and assist it, at the Company’s expense (excluding payment for time spent reviewing documents or assisting the Company), in obtaining, maintaining, defending and enforcing patents, copyrights or other rights on such Inventions and improvements in any and all countries. Such acts may include, but are not limited to, execution of documents and assistance or cooperation in legal proceedings. I hereby irrevocably designate and appoint the Company and its duly authorized officers and agents, as my agents and attorneys-in-fact to act for and in my behalf and instead of me, to execute and file any documents and to do all other lawfully permitted acts to further the above purposes with the same legal force and effect as if executed by me. I hereby waive, quitclaim and assign to the Company in perpetuity any and all moral rights, rights of attribution or other claims, of any nature whatsoever, which I now or may hereafter have for infringement of any rights assigned hereunder to the Company.
6. I have attached hereto as Exhibit C a complete list of all Inventions to which I claim ownership and that I desire to remove from the operation of this Agreement, and I acknowledge and agree that such list is complete. If no such lists attached to this Agreement, I represent that I have no such Inventions at the time of signing this Agreement. If disclosure of any such Invention would cause me to violate any prior confidentiality agreement, I understand that I am not to list such Inventions in Exhibit C, but am to inform the Company that all such Inventions have not been listed for that reason.
7. During the term of my employment and for one (1) year thereafter, I will not encourage or solicit any employee of the Company to leave the Company for any reason. However, this obligation shall not affect any responsibility I may have as an employee of the Company with respect to the bona fide hiring and firing of Company personnel.In addition, I agree that during the term of my employment and for one (1) year thereafter, I will not do anything which would in any manner disrupt, undermine or impair the Company’s contractual relationships with any of its customers or suppliers.
8. I agree that during my employment with the Company I will not engage in any employment, business, or activity that is in any way competitive with the business or proposed business of the Company and I will not assist any other person or organization in competing with the Company or in preparing to engage in competition with the business or proposed business of the Company. The provisions of this Section shall apply both during normal working hours and at all other times including, but not limited to, nights, weekends and vacation time, while I am employed by the Company.
9. I represent that my performance of all the terms of this Agreement will not breach any agreement to keep in confidence proprietary information acquired by me in confidence or in trust prior to my employment by the Company. I have not entered into, and I agree I will not enter into, any agreement either written or oral in conflict herewith or in conflict with my employment with the Company.
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10. In compliance with the United States Department of Commerce ExportAdministration Regulations (the “Regulations”), I agree that I will not knowingly export/re-export the technology for the design, development or production of Xilinx’ integrated circuits, or export/re-export the direct product of this technology directly or indirectly to any denied party, restricted or embargoed country identified in the US regulations.
Further, in compliance with U.S. laws/regulations (EAR 740.6), I agree that without a Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) license or License Exception, I will not:
| (i) | | Reexport or release the technology to a national of a country in Country Groups D:1 or E:2; or |
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| (ii) | | Export to Country Groups D:1 or E:2 the direct product of the technology, if such foreign produced direct product is subject to national security controls as identified on the CCL (See General Prohibition Three, §736.2(b)(3) of the EAR); or |
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| (iii) | | If the direct product of the technology is a complete plant or any major component of a plant, export to Country Groups D:1 or E:2 the direct product of the plant or major component thereof, if such foreign produced direct product is subject to national security controls as identified on the CCL or is subject to State Department controls under the U.S. Munitions List (22 CFR part 121). |
A current listing of the above mentioned country groups can be found at: http://www.access.gpo.gov/bis/ear/pdf/740spir.pdf
E. I agree that I have the right to resign and the Company has the right to terminate my employment at any time, for any reason, with or without cause. This is the full and complete agreement between myself and the Company on this term.
F. I agree that this Agreement does not purport to set forth all of the terms and conditions of my employment, and that as an employee of the Company I have obligations to the Company which are not set forth in this Agreement.
G. I agree that my obligations under paragraphs D(l) through D(5) and paragraph D(7) of this Agreement shall continue in effect after termination of my employment, regardless of the reason or reasons for termination, and whether such termination is voluntary or involuntary on my part, and that the Company is entitled to communicate my obligations under this Agreement to any future employer or potential employer of mine.
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H. Because my services are personal and unique and because I may have access to and become acquainted with the Proprietary Information of the Company, the Company shall have the right to enforce this Agreement and any of its provisions by injunction, specific performance or other equitable relief, without bond, without prejudice to any other rights and remedies that the Company may have for a breach of this Agreement.
I. As used in this Agreement, my employment includes any time during which I may be retained by the Company as a consultant, agent, representative or independent contractor.
J. This Agreement shall be effective as of the first day of my employment, which is __________, 20___, and shall be binding upon me, my heirs, executors, assigns, and administrators and shall inure to the benefit of the Company, its subsidiaries, successors and assigns.
K. This Agreement can only be modified by a subsequent written agreement executed by an officer of the Company.
I HAVE READ THIS AGREEMENT CAREFULLY AND I UNDERSTAND AND ACCEPT THE OBLIGATIONS WHICH IT IMPOSES UPON ME WITHOUT RESERVATION. NO PROMISES OR REPRESENTATIONS HAVE BEEN MADE TO ME TO INDUCE ME TO SIGN THIS AGREEMENT. I HAVE COMPLETELY FILLED OUT EXHIBIT C TO THIS AGREEMENT. I SIGN THIS AGREEMENT VOLUNTARILY AND FREELY.
Date: | | | |
| | Signature of Employee |
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| | Print Name of Employee |
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EXHIBIT A
XILINX_____________
TERMINATION CERTIFICATION
This is to certify that I do not have in my possession, nor have I failed to return to Xilinx__________ (the “Company”), any documents, apparatus, equipment and other physical property, or any reproduction of such property, belonging to Xilinx __________ or any Affiliates, as such term is defined by the Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement.
I further certify that I have complied with all the terms of the Company’s Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement signed by me, including the reporting of any inventions and original works of authorship (as defined therein) conceived or made by me (solely or jointly with others) covered by that Agreement.
I further agree that, in compliance with the Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement, I will preserve as confidential all trade secrets, confidential knowledge, proprietary material relating to products, processes, know how, designs, formula, developmental or experimental work, compute programs, data bases, other original works of authorship, customer lists, business plans, financial data and other Proprietary Information, as the term is defined in the Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement.
Date: | | | |
| [Employee’s Signature] |
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| | |
| | [Type/Print Employee’s Name] |
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EXHIBIT B
SECTION 2870 OF THE CALIFORNIA LABOR CODE
2870. (a) Any provision in an employment agreement which provides that an employee shall assign, or offer to assign, any of his or her rights in an invention to his or her employer shall not apply to an invention that the employee developed entirely on his or her own time without using the employer’s equipment, supplies, facilities, or trade secret information except for those inventions that either:
(1) Relate at the time of conception or reduction to practice of the invention to the employer’s business, or actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development of the employer; or
(2) Result from any work performed by the employee for the employer.
(b) To the extent a provision in an employment agreement purports to require an employee to assign an invention otherwise excluded from being required to be assigned under subdivision (a), the provision is against the public policy of this state and is unenforceable.
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EXHIBIT C
1. The following is a complete list of all Inventions relevant to the subject matter of my employment by (the “Company”) that have been made or conceived or first reduced to practice by me alone or jointly with others prior to my employment by the Company that I desire to remove from the operation of the Company’s Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement.
| | No Inventions or improvements |
| | |
| | See below: |
| | |
| | |
| | Additional sheets attached |
2. I propose to bring to my employment the following materials and documents of a former employer:
| | No Materials or documents |
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| | See below: |
| | |
| | |
| | Additional sheets attached |
Date: | | | |
| | Signature of Employee |
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| | Print Name of Employee |
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EXHIBIT C
Code of Conduct
TOPICS
1. Global Policy Statement
2. Implementation and Enforcement
3. Relations with Competitors and Other Third Parties
4. Intellectual Property and Confidential Information
5. Insider Trading and Securities Compliance
6. Financial Disclosure and Reporting
7. Human Resources
8. Environmental, Health and Safety
9. Conflicts of Interest
10. International Trade
11. Government Relations
12.Contractors, Consultants and Temporary Workers
13.Conclusion
1. GLOBAL POLICY STATEMENT
Xilinx, Inc. and its worldwide subsidiaries (the “Company”) want to ensure a culture of compliance at the Company and in the way the Company conducts business around the world. This culture begins with theeight Corporate Values (Customer Focus, Respect, Excellence, Accountability, Teamwork, Integrity, Very Open Communications and Enjoying Our Work).
The Company has also adopted this global Code of Conduct which addresses Company policies in many areas that are critical to compliance. These policies are not intended to substitute for those Values, but will serve as guidelines in helping you to conduct the Company’s business in accordance with our Values. Compliance requires meeting the spirit, as well as the literal meaning, of the law, the policies and the Values. It is expected that you will use common sense, good judgment, high ethical standards and integrity in all your business dealings.
If you encounter a situation you are not able to resolve by reference to these policies, ask for help. Consult your manager. If necessary, consult with your manager’s manager or your Vice President. If that does not resolve the issue, call the Legal Department, the Human Resources Department, or the CEO.
Violations of the law or the Company’s policies will subject employees to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment. In addition, individuals involved may subject themselves and the Company to severe penalties including fines and possible imprisonment. Compliance with the law and high ethical standards in the conduct of Company business is a top priority for the CEO, the CFO, our directors, and our employees worldwide.
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2. IMPLEMENTATION AND ENFORCEMENT
The General Counsel of the Company has been appointed as Chief Compliance Officer of the Company, responsible for overseeing compliance with, and enforcement of, all Company policies.
Employees and directors are expected to be familiar with these policies as they apply to their respective duties. They should consult with their managers if they need assistance in understanding or interpreting these policies. Each employee is required to follow these policies and to comply with their terms. A refusal by any employee to agree to be bound by these policies shall be grounds for discipline up to and including dismissal.
Managers are expected to ensure that adequate information and training regarding these policies is provided to employees under their supervision.
Any employee who, in good faith, has reason to believe a Company operation or activity is in violation of the law or of these policies must call the matter to the attention of their supervisor. If you have reason to believe that it would be inappropriate to report the operation or activity to your supervisor, you should report it to another member of the management chain, to the Legal Department, to your Human Resources Representative or use the on-line reporting tool at www.mySafeWorkplace.com. All reports will be reviewed and investigated as necessary under the circumstances. The reporting employee should provide sufficient information to enable a complete investigation to be undertaken.
Any employee who makes an allegation in good faith concerning a violation of these policies or the law will be protected against retaliation.
3. RELATIONS WITH COMPETITORS AND OTHER THIRD PARTIES
The Company’s policy is to comply fully with competition and antitrust laws throughout the world. These laws generally prohibit companies from using illegal means to maintain, obtain or attempt to obtain a monopoly in a market. They also prohibit companies from engaging in unfair trade practices. “Unfair trade practices” include fixing prices, dividing markets, agreeing not to compete with competitors, or agreeing to boycott certain customers. Due to the seriousness of these types of violations, the general rule in all contacts with competitors is to avoid discussing such matters as prices, bids, terms and conditions offered to customers, costs, inventory levels, product plans, market studies and production plans. It is advised that you consult with the Legal Department before attending a meeting with a party who may be viewed as a competitor.
Keep in mind that in light of the two-tiered selling model the Company uses, a distributor may also be viewed as a competitor under certain conditions.
4. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
The Company strongly supports and relies upon intellectual property protections, including patents, trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets. As a condition of employment, employees must execute a Proprietary Rights and Inventions Agreement under which the employee acknowledges that inventions made as a Company employee belong to the Company.Confidential information of the Company, in any form or media, may not be disclosed or used outside the Company without the prior written consent and approval of the Company. Employees may also obtain access to confidential information owned by third parties, either through licenses or by other agreements. All employees are expected to observe and protect the valid intellectual property of the Company and of third parties.
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5. INSIDER TRADING AND SECURITIES COMPLIANCE
Securities laws prohibit anyone who is in possession of material, non-public information (“Inside Information”) about a company from purchasing or selling stock of that company, or communicating the information to others. Information is considered “material” if a reasonable investor would consider it to be important in making a decision to buy or sell that stock. Some examples include financial results and projections, new products, acquisitions, major new contracts or alliances prior to the time that they are publicly announced.Employees who become aware of such Inside Information about the Company must refrain from trading in the shares of the Company until the Inside Information is publicly announced. Similarly, employees who through the course of their job obtain Inside Information regarding a customer or vendor should refrain from trading the customer’s or vendor’s stock until the Inside Information is publicly announced.
Employees must also refrain from disclosing that information to persons who do not have a Company need to know, whether they are inside the Company or outside, such as spouses, relatives or friends.
6. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE AND REPORTING
The Company makes regular formal disclosures of its financial performance and results of operations to the investment community. We also regularly issue press releases to inform customers, investors and the press about our product developments, relationships, and other events of note. Other than those public statements, which go through official Company channels,employees are prohibited from communicating outside the Company about the Company’s business, financial performance or future prospects. Such communications include questions from securities analysts, reporters or other news media, but also include seemingly innocent discussions with family, friends, neighbors or acquaintances.
The Company is required to maintain a variety of records for purposes of reporting to federal agencies. The Company requires all employees to maintain full compliance with applicable laws and regulations requiring that its books of account and records be accurately maintained. Specifics of these requirements are available from the appropriate functional groups—Human Resources, Tax, Finance and Legal.
7. HUMAN RESOURCES
Xilinx is committed to providing a work environment that is free from unlawful harassment and discrimination, and respects the dignity of its employees. The Company has numerous policies covering various aspects of its relationship with its employees, as well as employees’ relationships with each other.
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8. ENVIRONMENTAL, HEALTH AND SAFETY
The Company is committed to protecting the health and safety of our employees, as well as the environment in general.The Company expects employees to obey all laws and regulations designed to protect the environment, and the health and safety of our employees, and to obtain and fully observe all permits necessary to do business.
At the very least, all employees shouldbe familiar with and comply with safety regulations applicable to their work areas. The Company will make, to the extent possible, reasonable accommodations for the known physical or mental limitations of our employees. Employees who require an accommodation should contact their manager or the Human Resources department and specify what accommodation is needed to perform the job. The Company will determine if the requested accommodation is feasible and appropriate, or may suggest an alternative that meets the employee’s needs.
9. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
Each employee is expected to avoid any activity, investment or association that interferes with the independent exercise of his or her judgment in the Company’s best interests (“Conflicts of Interest”). Conflicts of Interest can arise in many situations. They occur most often in cases where the employee or the employee’s family obtains some personal benefit at the expense of the Company’s best interests.
No employee, or any member of employee’s immediate family, shall accept money, gifts of other than nominal value, unusual entertainment, loans, or any other preferential treatment from any customer or supplier of the Company. No employee shall give money, gifts of other than nominal value, or unusual entertainment to any customer or supplier of the Company, or any employee or family members thereof, where any obligation might be incurred or implied, or where the intent or effect is to prejudice the recipient in favor of the Company. No such persons shall solicit or accept kickbacks, whether in the form of money, goods, services or otherwise, as a means of influencing or rewarding any decision or action taken by a foreign or domestic vendor, customer, business partner, government employee or other person whose position may affect the Company’s business.
Employees may not: (1) act on behalf of, or own a substantial interest in, any company or firm that does business, or competes, with the Company; (2) conduct business on behalf of the Company with any company or firm in which the employee or a family member has a substantial interest or affiliation. Exceptions require advance written approval from the Legal Department.
Employees should not create the appearance that they are personally benefiting in any outside endeavor as a result of their employment by the Company, or that the Company is benefiting by reason of their outside interests. Any employee who is not sure whether a proposed action would present a conflict of interest or appear unethical should consult with his or her department head, division manager or the Legal Department.
No employee shall use Company property, services, equipment or business for personal gain or benefit. Limited personal use is permitted under the Use of Company Computer, Network and Phones Policy, provided that such use does not interfere with the employee’s job performance or violate any laws or Company policy.
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10. INTERNATIONAL TRADE
The Company must comply with a variety of laws around the world regarding export of products and technology. In some cases, the law prohibits the disclosure of key technical data to non-U.S. citizens, whether the disclosure occurs within the U.S. or elsewhere, and whether or not the disclosure is in writing. Where product or technology is exported, it is essential that appropriate export licenses be obtained before the product or technology is shipped or transmitted to non-US citizens. Employing a non-U.S. citizen may also create a deemed export situation for which a license is required. For further information on this topic, please consult the Global Trade Compliance website on the Company’s Intranet.
Payments or gifts to non-U.S. government officials are prohibited by law and by Company policy. The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act precludes payments to non-U.S. government officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business or an unfair advantage, even if the payment is customary in that country. This law applies anywhere in the world to U.S. citizens, nationals, residents, businesses or employees of U.S. businesses. Because Xilinx, Inc. is a U.S. company, this law applies to it and all of its subsidiaries. Any questions on this policy should be directed to the Legal Department.
11. GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
The Company is prohibited by law from making any contributions or expenditures in connection with any U.S. national election. This includes virtually any activity that furnishes something of value to an election campaign for a federal office. Use of the Company’s name in supporting any political position or ballot measure, or in seeking the assistance of any elected representative, requires the specific approval of the President of the Company.Political contributions or expenditures are not to be made out of Company funds in any foreign country, even if permitted by local law, without the consent of the Company’s President.
U.S. law also prohibits giving, offering, or promising anything of value to any public official in the U.S. or any foreign country to influence any official act, or to cause an official to commit or omit any act in violation of his or her lawful duty.
12. CONTRACTORS, CONSULTANTS AND TEMPORARY WORKERS
Contractors, consultants or temporary workers who are acting on the Company’s behalf, or on Company property, are expected to follow the law, Company policies and honor Company Values. Violations will subject the person or firm to sanctions up to and including loss of the contract, contracting or consulting agreement, or discharge from temporary assignment.
13. CONCLUSION
This Code of Conduct is not intended to cover every possible situation in which you may find yourself. It is meant to give you the boundaries within which the Company expects you to conduct yourself while representing Xilinx. You may find yourself in a situation where there is no clear guidance given by this Code of Conduct. If that occurs, return to the foundations stated earlier: common sense, good judgment, high ethical standards and refer to the Company’s Values. In addition, there are many resources upon which you may rely: your management chain, Human Resources, Legal or other Xilinx departments, and the CEO. Together we can continue to make Xilinx a company that sets a standard for managing high-tech companies.
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