Intellectual Property Policy

---

Effective Date: November 12, 2023
Last Updated: March 20, 2026

1. Purpose and Commitment

Mentor Me Now Foundation recognizes that its intellectual property — including program curricula, training materials, branding elements, publications, digital content, and strategic frameworks — is essential to advancing its mission and sustaining organizational impact.

This policy establishes guidelines for the ownership, protection, appropriate use, and enforcement of intellectual property rights while also ensuring respect for the intellectual property rights of third parties.

2. Scope of Policy

This policy applies to:

• Employees and contractors
• Volunteers and mentors
• Consultants and program facilitators
• Board members and advisory partners
• Any individual or entity creating or using content on behalf of the Foundation

3. Ownership of Organizational Intellectual Property

All intellectual property created, developed, or produced in the course of work performed for Mentor Me Now Foundation shall be considered the property of the Foundation, unless otherwise specified in a written agreement.

This includes, but is not limited to:

• Program models and developmental frameworks
• Educational content, toolkits, and training materials
• Branding assets such as logos, taglines, graphics, and digital designs
• Research reports, data compilations, and publications
• Multimedia content including videos, presentations, and online learning resources

Mentor Me Now Foundation retains the exclusive right to use, reproduce, adapt, distribute, license, and publicly display its intellectual property.

4. Protection of Intellectual Property

The Foundation will take reasonable and appropriate measures to safeguard its intellectual property from unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution.

Protective actions may include:

• Copyright or trademark registration where appropriate
• Use of confidentiality agreements or intellectual property clauses in contracts
• Monitoring for unauthorized use or infringement
• Legal enforcement actions when necessary

5. Use of Third-Party Intellectual Property

Mentor Me Now Foundation is committed to respecting the intellectual property rights of other individuals and organizations.

The Foundation will:

• Obtain proper licenses, permissions, or releases before using third-party content
• Attribute authorship or ownership where required
• Adhere to fair use standards and copyright laws
• Avoid unauthorized duplication or distribution of protected materials

All staff and representatives must ensure that marketing materials, digital content, program resources, and public communications comply with intellectual property regulations.

6. Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure

Employees, contractors, volunteers, and partners may have access to confidential or proprietary information related to programs, strategies, participant data, or intellectual property.

To protect organizational interests:

• Individuals may be required to sign Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs)
• Confidential information must not be shared outside authorized contexts
• Unauthorized use or disclosure of proprietary materials is strictly prohibited

Individuals must also disclose any independently created intellectual property that may conflict with or compete with the Foundation’s interests.

7. Enforcement and Accountability

Violations of this policy may result in:

• Disciplinary action
• Termination of employment or volunteer engagement
• Revocation of access to organizational resources
• Legal action against individuals or third parties who infringe upon the Foundation’s intellectual property rights

The Foundation is committed to protecting its creative and strategic assets to ensure continued program effectiveness and brand integrity.

8. Policy Review

This Intellectual Property Policy shall be reviewed periodically to remain aligned with evolving legal standards, organizational growth, and innovation initiatives.

9. Conclusion

Mentor Me Now Foundation recognizes that its intellectual property is fundamental to its ability to deliver meaningful programs and expand community impact. By safeguarding its creative assets and respecting the rights of others, the organization upholds ethical practices and strengthens its long-term sustainability.

Approved By:
Dr. LaTonya Miller
Executive Director
Mentor Me Now Foundation