INTRODUCTION

Grupo BMA recognizes the paramount importance of ethical behavior in the practice of law and related services. This Code of Ethics establishes the principles that every member of the Group must follow in their professional conduct. It reinforces the importance of responsibility, transparency, and respect for all stakeholders, from clients to employees, partners, and the broader community.

As professionals, we must consistently uphold these values, as they form the foundation of our long-standing reputation for integrity. By implementing this Code, Grupo BMA seeks to establish a shared understanding of the ethical guidelines that govern our daily practices. It serves to guide both established and new members of the organization in fostering a culture of responsibility, mutual respect, and professionalism in all matters.

This Code of Ethics also aims to establish a uniform framework for addressing ethical dilemmas and providing solutions to conflicts that may arise in the course of professional duties. Grupo BMA acknowledges that not every possible situation can be anticipated within this Code; therefore, personal integrity, ethical reasoning, and consultative decision-making remain vital components in navigating situations not expressly addressed.

 

MISSION

The mission of Grupo BMA—comprising the law firm BUFETE MEJÍA & ASOCIADOS, the translation services provider AMIGO TRANSLATIONS, and the MEJIA INITIATIVE FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY (MI-IP)—is to deliver high-quality, comprehensive legal services in the fields of Intellectual Property, Advertising and Competition Law, Tax Law, Corporate Law, and Regulatory Affairs. The Group has solidified its position as a regional leader in the provision of intellectual property legal services, as well as in offering specialized multilingual legal translations, all while fostering the knowledge and recognition of Intellectual Property as a fundamental driver of regional economic and social progress through its social responsibility unit MEJIA INITIATIVE FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY (MI IP)

 

VISION

Our vision is to be recognized as a leading legal group in Central America, particularly in the fields of Intellectual Property, Advertising and Competition Law, Tax Law, Corporate Law, and Regulatory Affairs. Through our commitment to professional excellence and comprehensive legal services, Grupo BMA seeks to continuously promote the protection and understanding of intellectual property as a fundamental driver of economic and social progress in the region.

  

CORE VALUES

Commitment to Clients: Providing exceptional service to our clients through professionalism, trust, and expertise.

Integrity: Upholding the highest standards of honesty, transparency, and ethical conduct.

Continuous Improvement: Constantly evolving through education, innovation, and commitment to professional growth.

Confidentiality and Data Protection: Safeguarding sensitive information entrusted to us by our clients.

Loyalty: Building long-term relationships based on mutual respect and responsibility.

Social Responsibility: Demonstrating an active commitment to our community and the environment.

Equality and Inclusion: Fostering an inclusive and respectful work environment for all members of the Group.

 

OBJECTIVES OF THE CODE

Guidance for Ethical Conduct: To provide a clear framework for all Grupo BMA members to adhere to the highest ethical standards, ensuring ethical behavior in all professional activities.

Clarity on Professional Integrity: To promote and reinforce a culture of transparency, responsibility, and ethical decision-making, ensuring alignment with the Group’s values in all professional actions.

Identification of Unacceptable Conduct: To clearly delineate conduct that is unacceptable, including but not limited to corruption, dishonesty, discrimination, and unfair business practices.

Promoting Ethical Decision-Making: To foster an environment where employees feel empowered to make ethically sound decisions and seek guidance when faced with conflicts of interest or ethical dilemmas.

Enhancing Group Culture: To cultivate a shared culture of belonging, professionalism, and long-term commitment to both the Group’s mission and its clients, while upholding the highest legal and ethical standards.

GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF ETHICAL CONDUCT

This Code of Ethics is designed to provide specific guidelines on professional conduct within Grupo BMA. However, given the dynamic nature of legal practice, it is recognized that not all potential situations can be anticipated. As such, it is essential for each member of Grupo BMA to rely on their professional judgment, ethical principles, and the Group’s core values to guide their conduct in situations not specifically addressed by the Code.

In any scenario that presents uncertainty, professionals are encouraged to consider the following questions:

Does this situation conflict with my professional values or those of the Group?

Am I acting in a manner consistent with the ethical standards expected of me?

Would my actions, if disclosed, damage the reputation or interests of the Group, our clients, or myself?

What are the potential long-term consequences of my decisions?

What alternative courses of action could better align with ethical principles?

If uncertainty persists, consultation with senior management, peers, or an ethical advisor should be sought to ensure that decisions are well-founded and in line with the Group’s expectations.

 

SPECIFIC STANDARDS OF CONDUCT

Quality of Service: All members of Grupo BMA are expected to deliver legal services of the highest quality, meeting client expectations while adhering to relevant professional standards and regulations. This includes ensuring that legal work is performed with diligence, attention to detail, and a commitment to achieving the best outcomes for clients.

Confidentiality: Confidentiality is paramount in our profession. All members must maintain the highest standards of confidentiality in handling client information, internal communications, and proprietary data. Information may only be disclosed when required by law or with explicit client consent.

Anti-Corruption and Anti-Bribery: Grupo BMA enforces a strict zero tolerance policy toward corruption and bribery. All interactions with clients, third parties, and government officials must be conducted in a manner that complies with all applicable laws, ensuring that no improper inducements or financial incentives are offered or accepted.

Gifts and Entertainment: While it is permissible to exchange tokens of goodwill, gifts or entertainment should not be used to influence the decision-making of any party. Gifts should be modest, lawful, and appropriate within the context of professional relationships.

Compliance with Laws: All actions and practices of Grupo BMA members must comply with applicable laws, rules, and regulations in the jurisdictions where the Group operates. This includes compliance with tax obligations, professional licensing requirements, and all relevant legal frameworks.

Transparency in Communications: All communications—internal and external—must be conducted with clarity, accuracy, and honesty. Misrepresentation or omission of material facts is strictly prohibited.

Non-Political and Non-Religious Neutrality: Grupo BMA maintains a neutral stance on political and religious matters. Professionals should avoid any actions or statements that could be construed as endorsing political or religious views on behalf of the Group.

Respect for Equality and Diversity: Grupo BMA is committed to promoting a workplace that respects diversity and fosters inclusivity. Discrimination on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, or disability is not tolerated.

Financial Integrity: All financial transactions must be transparent, properly documented, and carried out in accordance with established accounting practices. Payments to governmental authorities must be fully accounted for and consistent with the law.

Environmental Responsibility: Grupo BMA is committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility, minimizing our ecological impact while supporting corporate social responsibility initiatives that benefit the community.

Corporate Social Responsibility and Collaborative Relationships: Grupo BMA actively promotes Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) practices and fosters relationships with individuals and legal entities who share our commitment to ethical and socially responsible practices. We prioritize partnerships that align with our values, ensuring that our collective efforts contribute to the greater good of society while enhancing the long-term sustainability of our organization.

 

INTERNAL CONDUCT GUIDELINES

PROMOTED BEHAVIORS

 

Responsibility: All members of Grupo BMA are expected to conduct their professional and work-related activities with integrity, ethics, and accountability.

For Grupo BMA, responsibility is the cornerstone of our client service. It is not just a concept but a “way of working” a “Way of doing things” that involves every member of the organization. It has been translated into systematic processes, tasks, operational and technological controls, and structures that must be followed and adhered to by all members, including partners, associates, service providers, department heads, and contractors. Additionally, members are encouraged to submit suggestions to improve our performance, following the appropriate channels.

Courtesy, Tolerance, and Teamwork: Fundamental courtesy and tolerance foster a pleasant working environment, which in turn facilitates teamwork and effective collaboration—critical components of delivering excellence in service. We value the diverse perspectives, talents, and experiences of those who work with us and consider this diversity a key strength of our Group.

Discretion and Accuracy: Discretion is an essential trait for maintaining confidentiality, privacy, and data protection, which are core values of Grupo BMA. Information that must be shared or communicated should be done so precisely, soberly, and appropriately. Our platforms and systems ensure graduated access to the information necessary to fulfill assigned tasks or projects.

Accessibility: Members of Grupo BMA, including partners, administration, associates, and department heads, should be readily accessible and responsive. We must make ourselves available for contact at all times within the parameters established by this Code and common sense. When unable to be contacted for a reasonable period, individuals should notify their supervisors or department heads at least 72 hours in advance. In extreme cases, planning for extended absences should be handled with extra care to ensure continuity of service and communication.

Respect and Punctuality: We are committed to maintaining a respectful demeanor toward our colleagues, supervisors, clients, service providers, and collaborators. Punctuality in both work hours and responsibilities is a reflection of our respect for others and our culture of quality and professionalism.

Personal Relationships: Any personal or romantic relationships that develop between members of Grupo BMA, or between employees and clients, partners, suppliers, or external collaborators, must be immediately communicated to the appropriate supervisor or central administration. This transparency ensures we mitigate potential conflicts of interest and preserve professional independence. The organization’s general policy prohibits such relationships if they may impact objectivity or independence. It is also imperative to maintain professional boundaries by refraining from physical displays of affection in the workplace.

Work Environment: Grupo BMA is committed to providing comfortable and appropriate facilities for the performance of our services. The office environment should foster productivity and professionalism.

Alcohol, Drugs, and Food: It is strictly prohibited to enter Grupo BMA facilities or work—whether on-site or remotely—under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any other substances that impair professional behavior or judgment. Possession, distribution, or manufacture of illegal substances is prohibited. Food should only be consumed in designated areas during appropriate times, ensuring cleanliness and safety for all.

Dress Code: All members of Grupo BMA are expected to dress in a manner that reflects the professional image of the Group. Appropriate attire is required at all times, maintaining a standard that aligns with the corporate culture and the expectations of our clients and stakeholders.

Open-Door Policy: Grupo BMA maintains an open-door policy to encourage communication, feedback, and collaboration. Members are encouraged to share suggestions, concerns, or ideas without fear of retaliation. The administration is committed to considering all input seriously and ensuring confidentiality and discretion in handling concerns. All communications should be made in good faith and with the intention of improving our operations and work environment.

Use of Group Resources: Members of Grupo BMA must use the Group’s resources and facilities for legal and ethical purposes only, with supervision where appropriate. This includes the use of information, technology, facilities, intellectual property (such as patents, trademarks, and copyrights), software, and financial resources. The use of these resources should be confined to professional activities, and all requests for reimbursement should be precise and accurate.

Members must take proper care to protect the Group’s facilities and technology assets, including safeguarding data and software from theft, destruction, or misuse. Accessing systems or sharing passwords inappropriately is prohibited. Only approved software and equipment should be used, and their use should be limited to the purposes for which they were intended.

Communication systems, such as email, mobile devices, phones, and internet access, should be used responsibly. Access to illegal or inappropriate content, such as pornography, is strictly forbidden. All communication should maintain the Group’s professional image, using polite language and ensuring proper attention to incoming calls, emails, and other forms of communication.

 

OBSERVANCE AND COMPLIANCE WITH THIS CODE

The management of Grupo BMA consistently evaluates compliance with this Code of Ethics. It also maintains an ongoing communication strategy to disseminate our Mission, Vision, Core Values, ethical principles, and behavioral guidelines both internally and externally to our clients, partners, BMANETWORK members, correspondents, strategic allies, and suppliers.

For any questions or communications related to this Code of Ethics, please contact us through the designated email: etica@bufetemejia.com.

 

HEADQUARTERS:

BMA / BUFETE MEJIA & ASOCIADOS

20 Ave. “A”, 1 y 2 Calle S.O., Barrio Rio de Piedras,

P.O. Box 1744, San Pedro Sula, Honduras

Tel: (504) 2550-7744

+1 (914) 412-5719

Email: etica@bufetemejia.com

 

TRADEMARKS AND COPYRIGHTS

BUFETE MEJÍA & ASOCIADOS, the BMA logo, M.A.R.I.A. (MEJIA ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ASSISTANT), and other associated trademarks / service marks / slogans or distinctive signs (e.g., Leaving Our Mark in Your World, Your Key to Central America) are registered or used under license by Grupo BMA, BMA S. de R.L., d/b/a BUFETE MEJÍA & ASOCIADOS, AMIGO TRANSLATIONS, and INICIATIVA MEJÍA PARA LA PROMOCIÓN Y PROTECCIÓN DE LA PROPIEDAD INTELECTUAL (MI-IP).

 

BMA S. de R.L., doing business as BUFETE MEJÍA & ASOCIADOS, is registered with the Mercantile Public Registry of San Pedro Sula, Honduras. The firm or partners is/are members of INTA, ASIPI, AIPPI, FIA, ECTA, ITMA, PTMG.