Hackathon Rules

1. Ownership of Work

All participants retain full ownership of any software, hardware, designs, documentation, or other materials ("Project") created during the hackathon, unless explicitly stated in writing.

2. License to Organizers

By participating, each team grants the hackathon organizers a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to:

• • Display, demo, and evaluate the Project for judging and event operations; and
• • Publicize the Project (e.g., screenshots, descriptions, non-confidential code snippets, and recordings of demos or presentations) on websites, social channels, press releases, recap videos, and other promotional materials related to this hackathon or future NM Tech Talks, LLC events.

This license does not transfer ownership of the Project and does not prevent participants from further developing, commercializing, or licensing their work elsewhere.

3. Third-Party Content & Tools

If a Project incorporates third-party libraries, APIs, datasets, or tools, participants are responsible for ensuring they have the right to use them. All usage must comply with the relevant licenses and terms of service.

4. Future Use

Participants are free to:

• • Continue developing their Project after the event.
• • Open source the code under any license they choose.
• • Pursue commercialization, investment, or partnerships using their Project.

5. No Assignment, No Employment

Participation does not create an employment relationship, joint venture, work-for-hire, or any obligation to assign IP to the Organizer or sponsors.

6. Representations & Warranties

Participants represent that their Projects and submissions:

• • Do not infringe the rights (including IP and privacy rights) of any third party; and
• • Comply with laws and applicable third-party terms.

7. Respect for Others' Work

Plagiarism, misappropriation, or unauthorized use of another team's work is prohibited and may result in disqualification.

8. Media & Likeness

Participants consent to the recording of the event (photo, audio, video) and grant the Organizer the right to use their name, likeness, and voice in connection with the promotional uses described in Section 2, without additional compensation.

9. Confidential Information

Participants should not disclose confidential information in their Projects or demos. The Organizer has no duty of confidentiality regarding materials presented at or submitted to the event.