All applications are treated as confidential. Applicants are not expected to provide or to reveal proprietary information regarding products, processes, or services. Examiners are assigned in a way to avoid conflicts of interest. All Examiners and Panel of Advisors sign nondisclosure agreements. Administrative staff members monitor the review process to ensure that the integrity of the review process is maintained. Information regarding participation, recognition level achieved, or successful strategies may be released only after written approval from the applicant.