This Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), Source Code Ownership & Software Licensing Policy applies to Astute Group, including Astute Systems Technology Pvt. Ltd., and all its present and future subsidiary companies, associate companies, affiliate companies, sister concerns, joint ventures, brands, divisions, and group entities (collectively referred to as “Astute Group”).

At Astute Group, we believe in complete transparency. This policy explains the ownership of software, source code, client data, licensing rights, and the responsibilities of both Astute Group and its clients. Our objective is to protect our proprietary technology while ensuring clients have complete ownership of their business data and uninterrupted use of the software under the agreed licensing terms.

This Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), Source Code Ownership & Software Licensing Policy has been in effect since 1 April 2007 and applies to all software products, custom developments, implementations, enhancements, maintenance, and technology services provided by Astute Group on or after this date.

The objective of this policy is to protect the proprietary technology developed by Astute Group while ensuring that clients receive full operational rights to use the software for their business.

Ownership of Software

Unless specifically agreed in writing through a separate agreement, all software developed by Astute Group shall remain the exclusive intellectual property of Astute Group.

This includes, but is not limited to:

• Source Code
• Object Code
• Application Architecture
• Frameworks
• Libraries
• APIs
• Database Structure
• Algorithms
• Business Logic
• Integrations
• UI Components
• Design Patterns
• Security Modules
• Automation Scripts
• Development Utilities
• Documentation related to implementation

These components constitute proprietary assets developed through Astute Group’s experience, research, investment, and continuous improvement.

Client Data Ownership

While the software remains the intellectual property of Astute Group, all business data and content belonging to the client remain the sole property of the client.

Examples include:

• Customer Data
• Product Information
• Images
• Documents
• Reports
• Transaction Records
• Employee Data
• Financial Records
• Configuration Data
• Uploaded Files
• Business Processes
• Any other client-generated information

Astute Group shall claim no ownership over the client’s business data.

The client retains full ownership and control over all data stored within the software.

Source Code Ownership

The source code of the software shall not be transferred, assigned, sold, or delivered to the client.

The client is granted a license to use the software but does not acquire ownership of the software’s source code.

The source code forms part of Astute Group’s proprietary Intellectual Property and trade secrets.

Licensing Model

Astute Group grants clients a license to use the software.

Depending upon the commercial agreement, the license may be:

• Annual License
• Subscription License
• Perpetual License
• One-Time License

The license grants the client the right to operate the software for its internal business purposes only.

Ownership of the software is not transferred.

Software Enhancements and Customisations

Any enhancements, modifications, custom modules, integrations, features, reports, dashboards, or improvements developed by Astute Group shall also remain the exclusive intellectual property of Astute Group.

The client receives the right to use such enhancements under the applicable software license.

Ownership of the underlying source code shall remain with Astute Group.

Future Changes

The client may request:

• New Features
• Workflow Changes
• Integrations
• Reports
• Dashboards
• Mobile Applications
• APIs
• Automation
• Performance Improvements

Such work shall be quoted separately and charged as per the agreed commercial terms.

Completion of such work does not transfer ownership of the source code.

Operational Independence

The client shall have complete operational control over the software.

This includes:

• Day-to-day operations
• User Management
• Data Entry
• Reports
• Business Transactions
• Configuration (where applicable)
• Administrative Functions

Astute Group may also develop administrative tools, dashboards, utilities, or management interfaces that allow the client to independently operate and administer the software without requiring access to the underlying source code.

Reuse of Technology

Astute Group continuously develops reusable technology, frameworks, and software components.

The same technology, architecture, libraries, and development methodologies may be used in other projects for other clients.

Such reuse enables:

• Faster delivery
• Better quality
• Proven stability
• Continuous innovation
• Lower development costs
• Better long-term support

This does not affect the confidentiality or ownership of the client’s business data.

Confidentiality

Astute Group shall maintain strict confidentiality of all client information, business processes, and data in accordance with the applicable agreement.

Likewise, the client shall not attempt to reverse engineer, decompile, reproduce, distribute, or commercially exploit the proprietary software beyond the rights granted under the license.

Acceptance

This Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), Source Code Ownership & Software Licensing Policy has been in force and effective since 1 April 2007. By engaging Astute Group for the design, development, customisation, implementation, licensing, maintenance, support, or use of any software, application, platform, website, mobile application, API, or related technology services, the client is deemed to have read, understood, and accepted this Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) & Software Licensing Policy.

This policy shall automatically apply to all projects undertaken by Astute Group unless expressly modified through a written agreement signed by authorised representatives of both parties.

In the event of any conflict between this policy and a separately executed written agreement, the terms of the executed agreement shall prevail only to the extent of such conflict. All other provisions of this policy shall continue to remain in full force and effect.

Continued use of the software, acceptance of project deliverables, payment of invoices, or availing of any services provided by Astute Group shall constitute the client’s acceptance of this policy and its terms.

This version makes acceptance automatic through the business relationship, rather than requiring the client to explicitly sign the policy separately, while still allowing a signed contract to override specific clauses if mutually agreed.