Intellectual Property and Licensing Framework Notice

MannMechanics and MannCert Ecosystem

Effective date: 06 January 2026
Last updated: 24 February 2026

1. Purpose

This document describes the ownership, control structure, and legal boundaries relating to intellectual property, protected mechanisms, licensing rights, and certification functions within the MannMechanics and MannCert ecosystem.

It is intended to clarify how intellectual property rights, licensing authority, and certification activities interact, and to reduce ambiguity regarding use, implementation, and representation of the framework.

Nothing in this document creates rights or obligations beyond those established under applicable law or any executed written agreement.

2. Definitions

For the purposes of this notice:

  • Framework means the Mann Mechanics methodology, including Progressive Depletion Minting concepts, models, documentation, and associated materials.

  • Intellectual Property means all copyrights, database rights, know-how, trade secrets, design rights, trademarks, and related rights associated with the Framework.

  • Protected Mechanisms means processes, models, or methods subject to intellectual property protection, including patent protection where applicable.

  • Licence means a written agreement granting defined implementation rights.

  • Certification means conformity assessment conducted by MannCert under its own rules.

3. Intellectual Property Ownership

All Intellectual Property relating to the Framework, associated documentation, terminology, and certification structures remains the property of the IP Owner unless expressly assigned in writing.

Publication, discussion, or educational use does not transfer ownership.

4. Protected Mechanisms and Legal Rights

Certain elements of the Framework may be subject to intellectual property protection, including patent protection where applicable.

Where such protection applies:

  • The scope of protection is determined by applicable law and any relevant registered rights.

  • Implementation rights arise only through a valid Licence.

  • Nothing in Framework documentation or Certification confers implementation rights.

5. Licensing Authority

Rights to implement Protected Mechanisms are governed exclusively through formal written Licences issued by or on behalf of the IP Owner.

Licensing is distinct from Certification.

Engagement with the Framework, including education, consultation, or review, does not grant any licence or permission to implement.

6. Role of MannMechanics

MannMechanics:

  • Publishes and explains the Framework

  • Provides interpretive and educational guidance

  • Supports licensing discussions

MannMechanics does not grant implementation rights except through a formal Licence where authorised.

7. Role of MannCert

MannCert operates as an independent certification body responsible for assessing conformity with defined standards.

Certification:

  • Confirms alignment with specified criteria

  • Does not grant implementation rights

  • Does not waive or modify intellectual property protections

Certification status and licensing status are separate considerations.

8. No Implied Rights

No rights are implied by:

  • Access to documentation

  • Participation in training or discussions

  • Certification or registry listing

  • Correspondence or advisory interactions

Rights must be expressly granted in writing.

9. Use and Representation

Users must not:

  • Misrepresent their relationship to the Framework

  • Suggest endorsement or approval where none exists

  • Use terminology or marks in a misleading manner

  • Present unauthorised implementations as authorised

Independent work is permitted provided it does not infringe Intellectual Property or create confusion regarding origin or endorsement.

10. Relationship Between Certification and Licensing

Certification and Licensing serve different functions:

  • Certification assesses conformity with defined criteria

  • Licensing grants permission to implement Protected Mechanisms

One does not substitute for the other.

Both may be required depending on context.

11. Enforcement and Protection

The IP Owner reserves the right to protect Intellectual Property through lawful means where misuse, infringement, or misrepresentation occurs.

MannCert may take action within the scope of its certification governance, including correction of registry records or clarification of certification status.

12. Continuity of Rights

Intellectual Property protections and licensing controls continue:

  • Following termination of certification

  • After withdrawal from participation

  • Through organisational changes

  • With successors and permitted assigns

13. Amendments

This notice may be updated to reflect changes in legal rights, governance arrangements, or framework development.

Updates take effect upon publication.

14. Governing Law

This notice is governed by the laws of England and Wales.

Nothing in this document limits rights or obligations arising under applicable law.

15. Contact

For intellectual property or licensing enquiries:

Mann Mechanics

60 Tottenham Court Road

Office 889

Fitzrovia

London

W1T 2EW

Email: [email protected]

Clarification

This notice describes the relationship between intellectual property rights, licensing arrangements, and certification activities within the MannMechanics and MannCert ecosystem.

It does not itself grant rights or authorisations.