SOP Technologies Code of Ethics and Conduct

The SOP Technologies Code of Ethics and Conduct is shared publicly so prospective employees, existing employees, contractors, suppliers, customers, and the communities we serve are aware of our company values and what we stand for.

If you have questions about this Code, please feel free to contact us.

- Emilio Lopez, CEO

General, Overarching Company Policies

• Be safe

• Be honest

• Do what is legal

• Do what is ethical

• Be inclusive

  • SOP Technologies is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, color, national origin, age, disability (physical or mental), sexual orientation, gender identity, parental status, marital status, and political affiliation as well as gender expression, mental illness, socioeconomic status or background, neuro(a)typicality, or physical appearance.

• Embrace diversity

  • We embrace and celebrate the unique experiences, perspectives and cultural backgrounds that each team member brings to our workplace. SOP Technologies strives to foster an environment where our employees and people we interact with feel respected, valued and empowered, and our team members are at the forefront in helping us promote and sustain an inclusive workplace.

• Speak up if you see a safety concern, violation of company policy, or if there is something you are not comfortable with.

• Each of us is responsible for knowing and adhering to the values and standards set forth in this Code and for raising questions if we are uncertain about a company policy. If we are concerned whether the standards are being met or are aware of violations of the Code, we must contact the Management team. SOP Technologies takes seriously the standards set forth in the Code, and violations are cause for disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment.

• It is against our policy (and may be unlawful) for any SOP Technologies personnel to retaliate against any person for reporting what he or she believed in good faith to be a violation of this Code of Ethics and Conduct, expressing an intent to report what he or she believed in good faith to be a violation of this code, assisting other SOP Technologies personnel to report a violation of this code, or participating in any investigation pursuant to this code. If you believe you are being retaliated against, please contact upper management.

• Ask questions for clarity if you’re not sure about something.

• Be open to receiving feedback and learning from others.

• BE RespectFUL

• All employees, contractors and SOP Technologies partners should respect their colleagues, customers and the community at large. We won’t allow any kind of discriminatory behavior, harassment or victimization. Employees should conform with our equal opportunity policy in all aspects of their work, from recruitment and performance evaluation to interpersonal relations.

• value work-life balance

  • The health and safety of our employees, contractors and everyone working on behalf of SOP Technologies is of top priority. This includes ensuring that no one is over-worked, and that personal lives and personal time are acknowledged and respected. Demands for work productivity and output should never come at the cost of the health of our team members, whether or not they are directly employed by SOP Technologies. If you are feeling over-worked, it is acceptable and encouraged for you to stop work, take a break, and communicate your needs to your supervisor or upper management.

• PROTECT Intellectual Property and Confidential Information

• SOP Technologies’ intellectual property rights (our trademarks, logos, copyrights, trade secrets, “know-how”, and patents) are among our most valuable assets. Confidential information includes things such as supplier information, existing and future product information, technical designs, financials, business and marketing plans, and internal company communications.

• Unauthorized use of intellectual property and/or confidential information can lead to their loss or serious loss of value. You must respect all copyright and other intellectual property laws, including laws governing the fair use of copyrights, trademarks, and brands. You must never use SOP Technologies’ (or its affiliated entities’) logos, marks, or other protected information or property for any business or commercial venture without pre-clearance from the management team. We strongly encourage you to report any suspected misuse of trademarks, logos, or other intellectual property to company Management.

• Likewise, respect the intellectual property rights of others. Inappropriate use of others’ intellectual property may expose SOP Technologies and you to criminal and civil fines and penalties. Please seek advice from Management before you solicit, accept, or use proprietary information from individuals outside the company or let them use or have access to SOP Technologies’ proprietary information. You should also check with Management if developing a product that uses content not belonging to SOP Technologies.

• Non-government relationships

• You should be careful when you give gifts and pay for meals, entertainment, or other business courtesies on behalf of SOP Technologies. We want to avoid the possibility that the gift, entertainment, or other business courtesy could be perceived as a bribe, so it’s always best to provide such business courtesies infrequently and, when we do, to keep their value moderate. Consult with Management before providing any business courtesies and if you have any questions.

• Dealing with government officials

• Offering gifts, entertainment, or other business courtesies that could be perceived as bribes becomes especially problematic if you’re dealing with a government official. “Government officials” include any government employee; candidate for public office; or employee of government-owned or -controlled companies, public international organizations, or political parties. Several laws around the world, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the UK Bribery Act, specifically prohibit offering or giving anything of value to government officials to influence official action or to secure an improper advantage. This not only includes traditional gifts, but also things like meals, travel, political or charitable contributions, and job offers for government officials’ relatives. Never give gifts to thank government officials for doing their jobs. 

• The U.S. also has strict rules that severely limit the ability of a company or its employees to give gifts and business courtesies to a U.S. government official and also limit the official’s ability to accept such gifts. The Honest Leadership and Open Government Act prohibits giving any gifts, including travel and other courtesies, to Members, Officers, and employees of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives unless they fit within one of a number of specific exceptions. Gifts to employees of the U.S. executive branch are also regulated and subject to limits. Finally, state and local government officials in the U.S. are also subject to additional legal restrictions. Consult with Management before giving any such gifts or business courtesies and obtain all required pre-approvals. In sum, before offering any gifts or business courtesies to a U.S. or other government official, you should consult Management. Carefully follow the limits and prohibitions provided, and obtain any required pre-approvals.

ask yourself the following about your actions:

1. Is it safe?

2. Is it legal?

3. Is it ethical?

4. Is it good for our employees, contractors, interns, the company, our customers, and the community? 

5. Does it align with the Code of Ethics and Conduct, other company policies and directives, and assigned tasks?

The answer to all 5 questions should be YES. When in doubt, speak with your supervisor.