3. Ethical business practices
3.1. Anti-bribery and corruption
Inovivo Group strictly prohibits any form of bribery or corruption in connection with its activities. Bribery, corruption, embezzlement and extortion are illegal and Suppliers must avoid any form of bribery, unlawful inducements or related practices with business or government contacts, including through intermediaries.
The Inovivo Group enforces a zero-tolerance policy towards bribery and corruption in all forms, regardless of local customs or practices. All business partners, both individuals and organizations, have to uphold these standards globally, irrespective of their location.
Inovivo Group is dedicated to full compliance with all relevant anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws in the regions where it operates. Inovivo Group expects its Suppliers to similarly adhere with these laws and to be able to demonstrate compliance upon request. Suppliers shall conduct their business in an ethical manner and act with integrity.
Suppliers, including their employees, contractors, and agents, are strictly prohibited from directly or indirectly offering or giving payments or benefit intended to influence any party. Suppliers shall not offer, pay, request or accept any bribe to acquire or retain any business. Suppliers shall establish effective anti-bribery, fraud prevention, and reporting mechanisms.
3.2. Avoiding insider trading
Suppliers shall not unlawfully use any inside (not publicly available) information in their possession or acquired for financial gain nor shall they disclose such insider information to any unauthorized person. Suppliers shall also not disseminate information that affects the trading of financial instruments obtained during their business relationship with Inovivo Group.
3.3. Anti-money laundering
Suppliers must comply with all applicable anti-money laundering laws and regulations and have controls to prevent such illegal activities.
Suppliers are expected to inform Inovivo Group if they become aware of any actual or suspected violations of applicable anti-money laundering laws.
3.4. Confidentiality
Inovivo Group is committed to protecting the confidentiality of information across its operations and expects all Suppliers to maintain the same standards of discretion and security. Suppliers must protect all proprietary and sensitive information (hereinafter: “Confidential information”) entrusted to them by Inovivo Group, its clients, and its business partners.
Suppliers are required to handle all Confidential information, including but not limited to business plans, financial data, product specifications, customer details, trade secrets, and intellectual property, with the utmost care. Such information must be used solely for its intended purpose and disclosed only to authorized personnel. Suppliers are expected to implement appropriate security measures, including physical, administrative, and technological safeguards, to prevent unauthorized access to, loss or misuse of Confidential information. Suppliers must take prompt action to address any data breaches or security incidents and notify Inovivo immediately if such an incident occurs.
Suppliers must not disclose Confidential information obtained through their relationship with Inovivo to third parties without prior written authorization from Inovivo Group. This obligation extends beyond the term of the business relationship and continues indefinitely.
3.5. Conflicts of interest
Inovivo Group expects its Suppliers to maintain impartiality in their business dealings and to avoid any situations that could create, or appear to create, a conflict between personal interests and professional responsibilities.
- Avoidance of conflicts: Suppliers must avoid any activities, relationships, or financial interests that could interfere or be perceived to interfere with their ability to act in Inovivo Group’s best interests. This includes avoiding personal or business relationships that could influence decision-making.
- Disclosure obligations: Suppliers are required to promptly disclose any actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest to Inovivo. Transparency in reporting these situations allows for appropriate management and resolution.
3.6. Fair competition
Inovivo Group is committed to maintaining fair and open competition in all markets in which it operates and expects its Suppliers to comply with these principles by conducting business ethically and in full compliance with all applicable competition laws. This includes any unethical practices that unlawfully restrict competition. All business dealings should be conducted with integrity and respect for fair competition.
Suppliers must not enter into agreements or exchange information with competitors that could lead to conflicts of interest or restrict competition. This includes avoiding any arrangements or discussions related to pricing, market sharing, or limiting production.
3.7. Compliance with international trade restrictions
Inovivo Group requires its Suppliers to comply fully with all applicable trade restrictions, export controls, and economic sanctions laws in the regions where they operate. Suppliers must ensure that they do not engage in or support any transactions, business activities, or shipments that are restricted or prohibited by international, national, or local sanctions, trade regulations or import/export embargos. This includes refraining from doing business with any sanctioned countries, entities, or individuals, as specified by the relevant authorities, or governments.
Suppliers are expected to implement measures to monitor compliance with these regulations and to conduct due diligence on their supply chains to identify and avoid prohibited transactions. Suppliers must promptly report to Inovivo Group any potential violations of trade restrictions or sanctions that may impact their business relationship with Inovivo Group.
3.8. Prevention of tax evasion and accurate reporting
Inovivo Group is committed to lawful and transparent tax practices and expects its Suppliers to uphold the same standards. Suppliers must comply with all applicable tax laws and regulations and must not engage in or facilitate any form of tax evasion, either directly or indirectly.
Suppliers should ensure that all transactions and financial reporting are accurate and complete, reflecting true business activities and Suppliers shall act in accordance with the legal bookkeeping practices. Inovivo Group reserves the right to request evidence of compliance with tax obligations from Suppliers.