Code of Business Conduct – Gap
How we do business is as important as what we do.
Do: what153s right
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Our Code of Business Conduct |
Gap Inc. |
| 3 | Doing what153s right at Gap Inc. | |||
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What our Code is Why it153s important Your commitment to doing what153s right |
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Contents |
4 | Speak up! Sharing your concerns | ||
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How to share your concerns Code Hotline You are empowered: Anti-Retaliation Policy |
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| 5 | Working with integrity | |||
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Zero Means Zero Policy A safe and healthy environment Recording your time Other work standards |
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| 8 | Putting ethics into practice | |||
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Product integrity International trade regulations Anti-Boycott Policy Bribes and improper payments Competition laws (Anti-trust) Fair and honest business dealings Intellectual property rights Government agency complaints Government requests for information Protecting our environment |
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| 14 | Avoiding conflicts of interest | |||
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Giving or accepting gifts and entertainment Doing business with spouses, partners, relatives or friends Handling personal relationships at work Working outside of Gap Inc. Serving as a director or officer of another organization |
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| 19 | Protecting our brand | |||
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Confidential and personal information Material information and insider trading Media inquiries Financial integrity Cooperating with Audits Company property Trademarks and counterfeit merchandise |
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| 24 | Understanding political guidelines | |||
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Political activities Political contributions Lobbying |
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| 25 | Resources for doing what153s right | |||
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Contact information |
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Gap Inc. was founded in 1969 on the principle of doing business responsibly,
honestly and ethically. Today, we remain just as committed to working with the
highest standards of integrity. Nothing less will do.
Our Code of Business Conduct166
is a commitment we make to our shareholders, customers and each other not
only out of a legal obligation, but because it153s the right thing to do. Our
success is built on trust, along with a reputation for transparency and quality
in everything we do.
We each make important contributions to protecting our company and its
reputation. Recognizing right from wrong, and understanding the ethical
implications of our choices, is fundamental to doing what153s right at Gap Inc. We
are each responsible for applying the standards outlined in our Code of Business
Conduct to our work, every day.
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Doing what153s right at Gap Inc. How we do business is as important as what we do. Our Code of Business Conduct (Code) is your guide to working with integrity, Our company has been built on integrity, quality and trust:with each other, We153re each responsible for understanding and following our Code and other Gap Managers have an even more important role. Lead and act with integrity; Understand the Code and periodically review it with your teams; Encourage employees to raise questions and concerns; Ensure your team completes all required compliance training; Openly support the Anti-Retaliation Policy; Take prompt and effective action where appropriate; and Seek help from Global Integrity and Compliance when needed. When in doubt, ask! The Code can153t provide specific advice for every situation. But, most Ask yourself If you153re not sure if something raises an ethical concern, ask yourself: Is this the right thing to do? Is this legal and am I authorized to do this? Is it consistent with our Code and other policies? Is this in line with Gap Inc.153s reputation or my personal reputation? Would I want to see this reported in the media? If the answer to any of these questions is NO, you should discuss the |
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Speak up! Share any concerns We are each responsible for living up to our Code and acting with integrity. If you believe anyone is not living up to our Code or policies, have a Use our Open Door process and talk with your supervisor, manager, or If you aren153t comfortable using the Open Door process, contact the Check out the Resources section in the back of this booklet for more |
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Code Hotline |
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The Hotline is free, confidential and available 24 hours a day, seven days a |
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U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico: Dial toll-free 1-866-GAP-CODE (1-866-427-2633). Outside of North America: Dial your country153s AT&T Direct Access Code, If you are unable to place a call, contact the Global Integrity and Anyone who reports a concern is protected from retaliation by strict |
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Question: What happens when a call is placed to the Code Answer: The Hotline is answered by a confidential, outside |
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Question: May I call the Hotline if I don153t speak English? Answer: Yes, the Hotline can be accessed from anywhere in |
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Working with integrity At Gap Inc., we want to do more than just follow the law. Working with Zero Means Zero: no discrimination, harassment or We have zero tolerance for discrimination, harassment or retaliation. All Harassment is not tolerated, and can include slurs as well as any other In addition to the above, “sexual harassment” can include: Unwanted sexual advances or propositions; Offering employment benefits in exchange for sexual favors; Making or threatening reprisals after a negative response to sexual Visual conduct: Leering, making sexual gestures, displaying of Verbal conduct: Making or using derogatory comments, epithets, slurs Verbal abuse of a sexual nature, graphic verbal commentaries about a Physical conduct: Touching, assault, impeding or blocking movements. How to Report a Concern: We can153t help resolve a You are expected to fully cooperate with investigations related to Zero Means |
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Question: One of my co-workers frequently makes off-color What should I do? Answer: Offensive behavior, including inappropriate jokes, |
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Question: I feel that I153m being discriminated against by my manager, what do I do? Answer: All Gap Inc. employees should have a work |
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Question: I have a concern about something my manager is Answer: With our Open Door process, your manager would |
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6 Working with integrity
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including termination. If any employee is found to have violated the Zero A safe and healthy environment We153re committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for Zero tolerance for workplace violence: We will not tolerate Drugs and Alcohol Policy: You may not use, sell, possess, Health & safety laws and policies: To make sure our Recording your time If you are a non-exempt (hourly) employee, you must accurately record your Recording time accurately When recording your time, remember that non-exempt (hourly) employees should Work without pay, including not recording hours for work done at home Move hours from one day to another on a time record to avoid overtime Record time for a co-worker or ask a co-worker to record time for you Inaccurately record time worked Remove correctly recorded hours from a time record Other work standards Gap Inc. employees are required to follow all applicable laws and regulations |
Working with integrity 7
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Putting ethics into practice Our Code reflects our commitment to deliver results with integrity and work Product integrity We take pride in providing the highest quality products possible. In addition Local laws If a local law conflicts with our Code, you should follow the law. If a local International trade regulations If you153re involved with importing or exporting goods among various countries, Doing what153s right, wherever we work: applicable laws We realize there are differences in local laws and practices in different There153s never a question that we follow the laws of the countries where we do |
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Anti-Boycott Policy By law, Gap Inc. employees and agents may not support or cooperate with an Bribes and improper payments Giving bribes, kickbacks or other improper cash payments (or anything else of Make sure to ask yourself Are any of these red flags present?: Doing business in a country that has a reputation for corruption Unreasonably high fees are being requested Unusual payment methods, such as requests for payments in cash Lack of transparency in expense or accounting records Deliverables that sound too good to be true Competition laws (Anti-trust laws) Many of the countries where we do business have competition laws, or Gap Inc. employees and directors are required to comply with our Competition Any employee who violates this policy may be subject to disciplinary action, If you have any concern about a violation of competition laws by the company, |
Question: The customs agent has found that our shipment Answer: No. You may not make a direct or indirect payment to |
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Question: I153ve arrived at the airport in a foreign country Answer: No. You may not make a payment of cash, no matter |
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Putting ethics into practice 9
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Make sure to: Review Gap Inc.153s Competition Law Policy for more details on these laws Consult with Gap Inc.153s Legal department before beginning any Use caution in all activities and discussions at trade associations, Contact Gap Inc.153s Legal department to report any activity by employees |
And do not: Talk to a competitor about prices, marketing practices, other Try to influence the prices at which franchisees or other third-parties Make any statements or written records, even in jest, that suggest that |
Question: Several people in my department need to use a Answer: No. Unless the license agreement for the software program specifies otherwise, a separate |
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Fair and honest in our business dealings Doing what153s right and acting with integrity has always been a fundamental Intellectual property rights As we expect others to recognize the legal rights we have in our brands and |
Question: I found an image on a website that I153d like to use Answer: No. Images and other materials available on the |
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10 Putting ethics into practice
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Government agency complaints Occasionally, an applicant, customer, or current/former employee may file : Government requests for information We will always cooperate appropriately with proper government requests or Protecting our environment Gap Inc. is committed to minimizing the negative impact of our business |
Putting ethics into practice 11
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Bringing our Code to life Gap Inc. was built on integrity : by employees who strive to do the right |
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Act with integrity166 every day. |
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Treat each other with respect. |
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Do: what153s right.
Our reputation starts and ends with you.
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Abiding by the Code: and the law: isn153t optional. |
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Speak up if something isn153t right. |
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Avoid even the perception of a conflict of interest. |
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Remember your actions reflect on all of us. |
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Keep business information confidential. |
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When in doubt, ask! |
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Avoiding conflicts of interest What is a conflict of interest? It153s when your personal interest or If you see or suspect a conflict of interest, talk with your manager or your Situations you must avoid: Giving, receiving or soliciting tips, gifts, entertainment, discounts Directing business to third parties when you know they are owned or Misusing company resources, your position or influence to promote or Using business relationships to further a personal interest, including Holding a significant financial interest in a supplier, competitor or Make sure to ask yourself If you aren153t sure if you face a conflict of interest situation, review this Will the activity influence my business decision? Will a family member or friend benefit personally from my involvement in If this situation becomes public knowledge, would the company be Will my participation in this activity interfere with my ability to do my Would anyone think it might affect how I do my job? If the answer is “yes” or even “maybe” to any of these questions, you may |
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Question: One of my vendors offered to send me to a Answer: With prior approval from Global Integrity and |
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Question: What should I do if I am given a gift outside of Answer: You should thank the giver for their generosity and |
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Question: A vendor offered tickets to a sporting event to me |
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Answer: You may accept the tickets if the retail value of |
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Question: A production vendor I work with offered to make Answer: No. This would be considered using a business a personal interest, which is a conflict of interest and prohibited. |
Question: My manager asked me to review bids from several Answer: You should let your manager know about the |
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Question: May my brother apply for a job opening in my department? Answer: Yes, as long as the position is not within your |
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Avoiding conflicts of interest 15
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Giving or accepting gifts and entertainment It153s important to avoid even the appearance of making business decisions The following types of gifts and entertainment are absolutely prohibited: Gifts exceeding $50 USD (or equivalent) Entertainment exceeding $100 USD (or equivalent) Any solicited gift Gifts exchanged in the form of cash or cash equivalents (gift cards) Entertainment that would violate other provisions of the Code If business circumstances call for the exchange of gifts or entertainment, Don153t forget that you are required to let the Global Integrity and Compliance The gifts and entertainment total more than $100 USD (or equivalent) The gifts and entertainment total more than $250 USD (or equivalent) Some business units at Gap Inc. have more restrictive rules about giving and Ask yourself Regardless of value, before giving or accepting any gift or entertainment, Is the exchange intended to influence business negotiations? Will the exchange appear to others to influence business Will the exchange result in any special or favored treatment? Will my participation in the activity reflect poorly on Gap Inc.? If your answer is YES to any of the above, do not participate in the A few exceptions when it comes to gifts: Business meals: As long as they are infrequent and not |
16 Avoiding conflicts of interest
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Non-cash holiday gifts: As long as you share them with your Third-party trainings: Some conferences or training by third Chinese communities: During Chinese New Year, you may accept Doing business with spouses, partners, relatives or friends Even if you are extremely careful, working directly with your spouse, Make sure to ask yourself If working with a family member or friend, consider: Does one of you supervise or report to the other? Does either of you provide input on the other153s performance or career? If you answered YES to either of these questions, you should talk to your Handling personal relationships at work We recognize and respect your rights to socialize and pursue personal Employees who find themselves in an intimate relationship or friendship Personnel decisions can become difficult if you supervise someone you are |
Avoiding conflicts of interest 17
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Working outside of Gap Inc. You are required to get the approval of your supervisor and Human Resources Exception: If you work in a store or distribution center and don153t Always remember that you may not use any company resources (time, equipment, Serving as a director or officer of another organization For-profit organizations: You need approval from the Chief Non-profit organizations: We encourage you to serve as a |
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Protecting our brands Part of working with integrity is protecting Gap Inc.153s physical assets (such Confidential and personal information From time to time, you may have access to confidential information that Similarly, you may see personal information about co-workers, customers, We are each responsible for protecting Gap Inc.153s confidential and personal How to handle confidential and personal information Only use confidential or personal information for company purposes Never use confidential or personal information for your own benefit Don153t share this information with anyone outside the company unless Only share confidential or personal information with co-workers who Return all materials containing confidential or personal information It153s important to follow our standards of conduct around confidential |
Protecting our brands 19
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Question: I received a call from a local charity asking for Answer: No. Sharing Gap Inc. employee data violates company |
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Question: How should I dispose of documents that contain Answer: Use a locked disposal bin or shredder. Do not use |
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Question: I am really excited about my brand153s upcoming Answer: No. Unannounced advertising campaigns are |
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Question: My laptop was stolen, but I153m not sure if there Answer: All missing laptops must be reported to Corporate |
Question: Where should I store electronic confidential or Answer: Confidential or personal information should always |
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Question: What do I do if I don153t know if information I have Answer: Talk to your manager. |
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20 Protecting our brands
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Material information and insider trading You may become aware of important company information before it153s been made Ask yourself In deciding whether something is material information, consider if the If you153re unsure whether information is material or has been released to the You153re not allowed to buy or sell the stock (or other securities) of Gap Inc. Once material information has been fully disclosed to the public, you may Trading on material information before it153s been made public, also called Media inquiries Our Corporate Communications department handles all media inquiries for Gap |
Question: A senior director mentioned in a meeting that Gap Answer: No. The information you overheard is considered |
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Protecting our brands 21
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Financial integrity Accurate business records are essential to managing a successful company. Keep in mind that business records and communications are company assets and As a public company, it153s critical that we disclose and report company If you have any concerns about the company153s financial controls, accounting, Cooperating with Audits We all must cooperate fully with our internal and external auditors. You must Company property Gap Inc. property (for example, merchandise, samples, supplies and equipment) |
Question: Is it okay to take home samples or defective Answer: No. Taking any company property, including samples |
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Question: May I send a personal fax from work or use my work Answer: Yes. Limited personal use of the company153s |
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22 Protecting our brands
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Trademarks and counterfeit merchandise We all share a responsibility to protect company assets. This includes cash, Our trademarks (for example, Gap, GapKids, BabyGap, Banana Republic, Old The Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Piperlime, and Athleta trademarks are What to do if you see or suspect counterfeit merchandise? If you find sell-off or counterfeit merchandise : with any part of our Note the name of the store, its location and size Try to estimate the volume of sell-off or counterfeit merchandise Email the Legal department at trademarks@gap.com If you see large volume sales of sell-off or counterfeit merchandise in a Buy a sample of each type of merchandise (for example, a shirt or a Estimate the quantity being offered for sale Take photographs of signs or advertisements, if possible Collect business cards or promotional material Email the Legal department at trademarks@gap.com Also report stores operating under different names that copy the look and |
Protecting our brands 23
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Understanding political guidelines We encourage employees and Directors to get involved with issues that are Political activities Your personal political activities must be done on your own time, with your Political contributions Gap Inc. provides eligible employees who are U.S. citizens with the Lobbying Lobbying is generally defined as contact with elected officials regarding You should know166 Over time, new policies will need to be written and old ones revised. While The provisions of this Code may only be waived by Gap Inc.153s Chief Compliance |
Question: If I make a personal contribution to a political Answer: Yes, within the limits of the law. Gap Inc.153s policy |
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Question: What is the purpose of the Gap Inc. Political Answer: The purpose of the GPAC is to support Federal |
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Resources
Here are more resources for questions about Gap Inc.153s Code of Business
Conduct and other policies:
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Question about: |
Please contact: |
Phone |
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Boycotts |
Legal Department |
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legal@gap.com |
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Bribes or improper payments |
Global Integrity and Compliance |
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global_integrity@gap.com |
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Competition laws |
Legal Department |
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legal@gap.com |
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Conflicts of interest |
Global Integrity and Compliance |
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global_integrity@gap.com |
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Discrimination, harassment or retaliation |
Your Manager, Human Resources, or the Code Hotline |
1-866-GAP-CODE 1-866-427-2633 |
employee_relations_Department @gap.com |
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Government requests for information |
Your Manager, Human Resources or Legal Department |
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legal@gap.com |
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Insider trading or material information |
Global Equity Administration Department |
415-427-9200 |
insider_trading_ compliance@gap.com |
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International trade regulations |
Legal Department |
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legal@gap.com |
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Media inquiries |
Media Hotline |
(800) 333-7899, x75900 (within the U.S.) (650) 952-4400, x75900 (outside the U.S.) |
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Political activities |
Government Affairs and Public Policy Team |
415-427-5542 |
legal@gap.com |
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Trademark violations |
Legal Department |
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trademarks@gap.com |
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Use of third-party materials |
Legal Department |
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legal_clearance@gap.com |
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Vendor conduct |
Social Responsibility |
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social_responsibility@gap.com |
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Our policies on GapWeb
Learn more about our policies by going to GapWeb > Company Sites >
Corporate Departments >
Legal > Our Teams > Global Integrity and Compliance
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Anti-Corruption Policy |
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Competition Law Policy |
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Records Management Policy |
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Samples Management Policy |
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