Code of Conduct

Effective Date: 1 October 2024

1. Purpose

The purpose of this Code of Conduct (“Code”) is to ensure that all participants in the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (“SIG”) adhere to the highest standards of professional behavior and ethical practices. This Code is designed to foster a collaborative, respectful, and inclusive environment that supports the equitable development and use of robust Bluetooth technology standards and products.

2. Scope

Adherence to this Code is required of all Bluetooth SIG officers, directors, members, member representatives, employees, contractors, vendors, and guests participating in any Bluetooth SIG activities (each a “Participating Individual” and collectively the “Participating Individuals”). Bluetooth SIG activities include all work and collaboration of or related to Bluetooth SIG including all meetings of Participating Individuals (both in-person and virtual), Bluetooth SIG-sponsored or facilitated events (business and social), and communications (oral or written) involving Participating Individuals and work of Bluetooth SIG.

All Participating Individuals must read and understand this Code and uphold its standards day to day. All Participating Individuals must act with fundamental honesty, integrity, and professionalism in all dealings; maintain an ethical and professional environment; and comply with all applicable laws and all agreements with and policies and procedures of Bluetooth SIG. All Participating Individuals must also refrain from behavior that might be harmful to themselves, other Participating Individuals, or Bluetooth SIG. Members of Bluetooth SIG are responsible for all actions of their member representatives, including their member representatives’ compliance with this Code. Any violation of this Code by a member representative is a violation by the member that they represent. It is not possible to list every situation which could result in an actual or potential violation of this Code. The following areas, however, are of particular concern to Bluetooth SIG with respect to the ethical conduct of its operations:

3. Professionalism and Integrity

Participating Individuals must:

  • Respect for All: Treat all individuals with respect, dignity, and fairness; embrace diversity; and commit to creating an environment free from harassment, discrimination, and bias.
  • Transparency: Operate with honesty, integrity, and transparency in decision-making processes and communications, stating all claims and estimates based on available and objective data. Share relevant information openly while complying with the Bluetooth SIG Confidentiality Policy.
  • Ethical Conduct: Adhere to high ethical standards in all interactions and decisions, refrain from behavior that might be harmful, avoid conflicts of interest, and disclose any potential conflicts that may arise.

4. Collaboration and Inclusivity

Participating Individuals must:

  • Constructive Engagement: Engage in discussions and decision-making processes constructively. Listen actively, be respectful, provide thoughtful feedback, and work collaboratively to achieve common goals.
  • Inclusive Participation: Encourage and support participation from diverse perspectives. Ensure that all voices are heard and valued.
  • Well-ordered Meetings: Conduct meetings in an orderly manner and respect others and the authority of the leadership.

5. Accountability and Compliance

Participating Individuals must:

  • Adherence to Standards: Follow Bluetooth SIG’s established processes, policies, and procedures; support the official decisions of Bluetooth SIG; and comply with the letter and spirit of all applicable laws, rules, regulations, and guidelines.
  • Responsibility: Take responsibility for actions and decisions; address any issues or concerns promptly and transparently; and seek, accept, and offer honest feedback to enable the correction of errors.
  • Preparation and Attendance: Be prepared for meetings and support the work of Bluetooth SIG, including regular meeting attendance. Operate only within the scope of authority (e.g., committee and group authority is specified in its charter).
  • Honor Commitments: Honor the review process and commitment deadlines, and avoid delaying or preventing the timely submission, review, support or approval of work.

6. Confidentiality and Intellectual Property

Participating Individuals must:

7. Conflict Resolution and Enforcement

Participating Individuals must:

  • Addressing Issues: Promptly and professionally resolve all issues and disputes.
  • Reporting Misconduct: Must report any actions that may violate this Code in accordance with Section 9 of this Code.

8. Continuous Improvement

Participating Individuals should:

  • Feedback and Improvement: Provide feedback on this Code and related processes so that Bluetooth SIG can continuously improve its practices.
  • Ongoing Education: Stay informed about best practices, emerging trends, and evolving standards in technology and governance. Participate in training and development opportunities offered by Bluetooth SIG.

9. Procedures for reporting violations of this Code

The Bluetooth SIG takes allegations of a violation of this Code seriously. Participating Individuals must immediately report actual and suspected violations of this Code to their immediate supervisor, Human Resources, the Compliance Officer, the Chairperson of the Board of Directors (“Chair”), or the CEO of the Bluetooth SIG (“CEO”).

The recipient of the notice will notify Human Resources (if the complaint involves an employee of Bluetooth SIG), the SIG’s compliance officer, Bluetooth SIG Legal, the Chair, and CEO. Where possible, reports will be treated in a confidential manner and information will only be shared on a need-to-know basis.

All good faith reports of violations will be treated seriously and investigated by Bluetooth SIG in accordance with Bluetooth SIG’s Code of Conduct Complaint Investigation Process Document.

Bluetooth SIG will take disciplinary action for violations of this Code of Conduct, up to and including termination of employment (in the case of Bluetooth SIG employees), notifying a member representative’s employer, notifying legal authorities, and removal or exclusion from future Bluetooth SIG resources and activities.

Nothing in this Code limits the authority of the Bluetooth SIG or its Board of Directors.

10. Notices

Bluetooth SIG is not responsible or liable for the actions or inactions of any Participating Individual. Bluetooth SIG has no obligation to notify any Participating Individual of applicable laws or regulations or ensure their compliance.

Any Participating Individual who feels their safety or well-being is at risk is encouraged to take immediate appropriate steps to ensure their personal safety and well-being.

Version Tracking:
01: Bluetooth-SIG-Code-of-Conduct _V1.0
02: Bluetooth SIG Code of Conduct version 10-01-2024

My Blue

NOTICE: The Bluetooth SIG updated its Terms of Use on 29 October 2024Learn more
 Get Help