Last Updated: November 2024

Introduction

AliDeck Limited is committed to protecting its intellectual property rights and respecting the intellectual property rights of others. This policy outlines the intellectual property owned by AliDeck, how it may be used, and the consequences of unauthorised use or infringement.

AliDeck has invested significant time, resources, and innovation into developing our fire-rated aluminium balcony systems, decking products, and associated technologies. This intellectual property represents the foundation of our business and our commitment to excellence in the construction industry.

Intellectual Property Owned by AliDeck

AliDeck owns all intellectual property rights in and to the following:

1. Product Designs and Engineering

• Custom aluminium extrusion profiles: All proprietary profiles designed specifically for our balcony systems and decking products, including unique shapes, dimensions, and structural configurations
• Fire-rated system designs: Non-combustible, A2-rated balcony components with BS 476-6/7 and EN 13501 testing, suitable for use on buildings where Class A materials are required.
• Component systems: Complete balcony and decking systems including but not limited to bearer bars, fixing brackets, drainage solutions, handrail systems, and integration methods
• Product specifications: Technical data sheets, span tables, loading calculations, installation specifications, and performance characteristics
• Manufacturing processes: Proprietary production methods, quality control procedures, powder coating techniques, and assembly processes

2. Manufacturing Tooling and Equipment

• Extrusion dies: Custom dies created for the production of our aluminium profiles, representing significant capital investment and proprietary design
• Manufacturing jigs and fixtures: Specialised equipment designed to ensure precision, consistency, and efficiency in production
• Quality control apparatus: Testing equipment and methodologies developed specifically for AliDeck products

3. Software and Digital Assets

• Product configurators and calculators: Interactive tools on our website that assist with product selection, span calculations, and project planning
• CAD libraries and technical drawings: 2D and 3D models, installation drawings, and technical illustrations provided to customers and design professionals
• Website content and functionality: All text, images, videos, graphics, layout, design elements, and interactive features on alideck.co.uk
• Proprietary databases: Product information management systems, customer specifications, and technical data repositories

4. Brand and Marketing Assets

• Trade marks: The ‘AliDeck’ name, logo, and any associated trade marks (registered and unregistered)
• Marketing materials: Brochures, technical literature, case studies, photography, videography, and promotional content
• Brand guidelines: Standards for logo usage, colour palettes, typography, and brand presentation
• Product photography and imagery: Original photographs and digital renders of AliDeck products and installations

5. Documentation and Written Materials

• Installation manuals and guides: Comprehensive instructions for proper installation and assembly of our products
• Fire test reports and certifications: Documentation of testing procedures, results, and compliance with relevant standards
• Technical specifications: Detailed product specifications, NBS Source, and specification text for design professionals
• Training materials: Educational content provided to fabricators, installers, and design professionals

Permitted Uses

AliDeck grants limited permission for the following uses of our intellectual property:

For Customers and End Users

• Project-specific use: Use of technical drawings, CAD files, and specifications solely for projects where AliDeck products have been specified or purchased
• Installation purposes: Reproduction of installation manuals and guides for the proper installation of purchased products
• Project documentation: Inclusion of AliDeck technical literature in project specifications, tender documents, and as-built documentation

For Design Professionals

• Specification development: Use of product specifications, NBS Source, and technical data in project specifications
• Design documentation: Incorporation of AliDeck CAD details and technical drawings into construction drawings where AliDeck products are specified
• Performance data: Reference to fire ratings, span tables, and technical performance data in design calculations and documentation

For Approved Fabricators and Partners

• Manufacturing purposes: Use of technical specifications and drawings for the fabrication of AliDeck products in accordance with partnership agreements
• Marketing with permission: Use of the AliDeck name, logo, and approved marketing materials with prior written consent
• Project showcasing: Display of completed projects featuring AliDeck products with appropriate attribution

General Conditions for All Permitted Uses

• All uses must maintain the integrity and accuracy of AliDeck materials without modification
• AliDeck must be properly credited and attributed in all uses
• Materials must not be used in a manner that implies endorsement of other products or services
• Use must not create confusion about the source or authenticity of products

Prohibited Uses

The following uses of AliDeck intellectual property are strictly prohibited without express written permission:

Product Reproduction and Counterfeiting

• Manufacturing copies: Producing, manufacturing, or commissioning the production of products that replicate AliDeck designs, profiles, or component systems
• Reverse engineering: Disassembling, measuring, or analysing AliDeck products for the purpose of creating competing or substitute products
• Die replication: Creating extrusion dies or manufacturing tooling based on AliDeck proprietary profiles
• Counterfeit products: Selling or distributing products falsely represented as genuine AliDeck products

Unauthorised Commercial Use

• Resale of documentation: Selling, licensing, or distributing AliDeck technical documents, CAD files, or specifications
• Competitive use: Using AliDeck intellectual property to develop, market, or sell competing products or services
• Unauthorised partnerships: Representing oneself as an AliDeck partner, distributor, or authorised fabricator without formal agreement

Misuse of Brand and Trade Marks

• Trade mark infringement: Using the AliDeck name, logo, or trade marks in connection with non-AliDeck products or without authorisation
• Brand confusion: Creating similar names, logos, or branding that could cause confusion with AliDeck
• Misleading claims: Making false claims about relationships with, endorsement by, or certification from AliDeck

Digital and Software Misuse

• Website scraping: Automated extraction of content, data, or images from alideck.co.uk
• Software reproduction: Copying, modifying, or redistributing AliDeck software tools, calculators, or applications
• Database theft: Accessing or extracting proprietary data from AliDeck systems without authorisation

Modification and Misrepresentation

• Altering documents: Modifying technical specifications, test reports, or certifications to misrepresent product capabilities
• False attribution: Removing AliDeck attribution or replacing it with third-party branding
• Deceptive marketing: Using AliDeck materials to promote non-AliDeck products or to deceive customers

Consequences of Infringement

AliDeck takes the protection of its intellectual property rights seriously. Infringement of these rights may result in the following consequences:

Immediate Actions

• Cease and desist notice: Formal demand to immediately stop all infringing activities
• Termination of business relationships: Immediate cessation of supply agreements, partnerships, or commercial relationships
• Removal demands: Required removal of infringing materials from websites, marketing materials, and other public forums

Legal Proceedings

• Civil litigation: Legal action in the appropriate courts for breach of intellectual property rights, including claims for copyright infringement, trade mark infringement, passing off, and breach of confidence
• Injunctive relief: Court orders prohibiting further infringement and requiring destruction of infringing materials
• Criminal prosecution: Where appropriate, referral to law enforcement for criminal investigation of counterfeiting or fraud

Financial Consequences

• Monetary damages: Compensation for losses suffered by AliDeck as a result of the infringement, including lost profits and market share
• Account of profits: Recovery of profits made by the infringer through unauthorised use of AliDeck intellectual property
• Legal costs: Recovery of legal fees and costs associated with enforcement actions
• Additional damages: In cases of flagrant or deliberate infringement, courts may award additional damages beyond actual losses

Reputational Consequences

• Industry notification: Communication of infringement to relevant industry bodies, professional associations, and business networks
• Public disclosure: Where legal proceedings are pursued, details may become matters of public record
• Exclusion from projects: Information sharing with clients and specifiers may result in exclusion from future projects

Reporting Suspected Infringement

AliDeck values the support of our customers, partners, and the wider industry in protecting our intellectual property. If you become aware of any suspected infringement of AliDeck intellectual property, we encourage you to report it to us.

What to Report

Examples of activities that should be reported include:

• Products that appear to be copies or counterfeits of AliDeck products
• Unauthorised use of the AliDeck name, logo, or trade marks
• Websites or businesses falsely claiming to be AliDeck partners or distributors
• Unauthorised distribution or sale of AliDeck technical documents or software
• Misrepresentation of product specifications or test results
• Any other suspicious activity that may constitute infringement

How to Report

To report suspected intellectual property infringement, please contact our legal team:

Email: info@alideck.co.uk

Subject Line: “IP Infringement Report”

Postal Address:

Legal Department

AliDeck Limited

Europa & Jenner House, Victory Park

1-2 Trident Close, Medway City Estate

Rochester, Kent ME2 4ER

Information to Include

When reporting suspected infringement, please provide as much detail as possible, including:

• Your contact information: Name, company (if applicable), email address, and phone number
• Description of the infringement: Clear explanation of what intellectual property is being infringed and how
• Location/source: Website URLs, physical addresses, or other identifying information about where the infringement is occurring
• Evidence: Photographs, screenshots, product samples, documents, or other evidence supporting your report
• Date discovered: When you first became aware of the suspected infringement
• Additional context: Any other information that may be relevant to the investigation

Our Response

When we receive a report of suspected infringement:

• We will acknowledge receipt of your report within 2 business days
• Our legal team will investigate the matter thoroughly
• We will take appropriate action based on the findings of our investigation
• We may contact you for additional information or clarification
• Confidentiality of your report will be maintained to the extent possible under law

Please note that while we appreciate all reports, we cannot provide detailed updates on enforcement actions taken as a result of your report due to legal and commercial confidentiality considerations.

Requesting Permission to Use AliDeck IP

If you wish to use AliDeck intellectual property in a manner not covered by the permitted uses outlined above, you must obtain express written permission from AliDeck.

To request permission, please contact:

Email: info@alideck.co.uk

Telephone: 01622 534 042

Your request should include:

• Specific intellectual property you wish to use
• Intended purpose and context of use
• Duration and scope of the proposed use
• How the intellectual property will be attributed
• Your contact information and company details

Permission requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. AliDeck reserves the right to approve, deny, or impose conditions on any request at our sole discretion.

Changes to This Policy

AliDeck reserves the right to update or modify this Intellectual Property Policy at any time without prior notice. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting to our website. The ‘Last Updated’ date at the top of this policy indicates when it was most recently revised. We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about our intellectual property rights and how they may be used.

Governing Law

This Intellectual Property Policy and all matters relating to AliDeck’s intellectual property rights shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. The courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction over any disputes arising from or relating to this policy or AliDeck’s intellectual property rights.

Contact Information

For general enquiries about this Intellectual Property Policy or AliDeck’s intellectual property rights:

AliDeck Limited

Europa & Jenner House, Victory Park

1-2 Trident Close, Medway City Estate

Rochester, Kent ME2 4ER

Telephone: 01622 534 042

Email: info@alideck.co.uk

Website: www.alideck.co.uk

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Thank you for respecting AliDeck’s intellectual property rights.

Together, we can maintain the integrity and quality of AliDeck products and services while continuing to innovate for a sustainable built environment.