Apple 2003 Annual Report Download - page 149

official Apple spokespeople for financial matters. Apple has designated its Public Relations Department as official Apple spokespeople for
marketing, technical and other such information. Unless authorized by the Investor Relations Department or Public Relations Department,
these designees are the only people who may communicate with the press and financial analysts.
D. Use of Apple equipment and electronic systems and communications
Apple equipment, networks and electronic systems (such as Internet access, voicemail, e-mail, instant messaging and AppleWeb) are provided
to help employees perform their duties while supporting Apple’s business needs, and are for Apple business use. Apple equipment, networks
and electronic systems should be used only for Apple business-related purposes; incidental personal use is permitted on a limited basis. Use of
Apple-owned equipment for non-Apple commercial use is prohibited.
Apple equipment, networks, mail and electronic systems are provided for use in conducting Apple business, so there should be no expectation
of privacy in files, voicemail, e-mail or Internet use. Management may at any time review and monitor any Apple equipment, networks, mail
or electronic systems, whether used for business or personal purposes, unless and to the extent that such review and monitoring is otherwise
prohibited or limited by applicable law.
E. Conflicts of interest
Conflicts of interest can compromise an employee’s business ethics. At Apple, a conflict of interest is any activity that is inconsistent with or
opposed to Apple’s best interests, or that gives the appearance of impropriety. The way to identify a conflict is to decide whether there is
potential for even the appearance of divided loyalty on the part of the Apple employee. Common areas where conflicts of interest may occur
are described below. Although these focus on employees, activities of employees’
family members, household members and other third parties
in significant relationships with employees should also be examined for any circumstances which may give rise to a conflict of interest,
impropriety, or ethical or legal risks, whether real or perceived, for Apple or the Apple employee (examples of significant relationships include
domestic partners, dating relationships, and business partnerships outside of Apple).
Payments to or from third parties.
All Apple employees must pay for and receive only that which is proper. Apple will make no payments or
promises to influence another’s acts or decisions, and the company will give no gifts beyond those extended in normal business dealings. At a
minimum, Apple will observe all government restrictions on gifts and entertainment.
Interests in other businesses.
Apple employees must avoid any direct or indirect financial or other relationship that could cause divided
loyalty. This type of relationship could include, for example, membership on the board of directors of an outside commercial or nonprofit
enterprise. Apple employees must receive written permission from the Apple Senior Vice President for their organization before beginning any
employment, business, consulting, financial, or other relationship with another company if the proposed activity is in Apple’s present or
reasonably anticipated future business; uses any Apple or third-party confidential, proprietary, or trade secret information; or relates to the
services performed by the employee on behalf of Apple. This does
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