Announcement - New IETF Note Well October 2025

[IETF Chair <[e-mail]>]

A new version of the IETF Note Well has now been approved by the IESG 
following a comprehensive review by the IETF Executive Director and 
IETF Counsel.  This new version improves upon the previous version in 
the following ways:

  • Moves to the top the notice that by participating in the IETF, you 
    agree to follow IETF processes and policies
  • Changes the emphasis with the first substantive point being about 
    behavior
  • Uses direct quotes from BCPs or text provided by counsel
  • Merges the two lists into one by using inline references
  • References individual RFCs not BCPs so that people can find the 
    referenced document immediately.

The Note Well will continue to be shown at the start of every session 
in an IETF Meeting and every interim meeting. The IESG has provided 
updated guidance to WG Chairs on what to say when presenting the Note 
Well [1] and the template slides have been updated.

Given the short time before IETF 124 Montreal, the new version should 
be used if reasonably possible but if not then the old version will 
suffice for this meeting.

The text of the new Note Well is below and the clickable version and 
slides are on the IETF website [2].

—-
By participating in the IETF you agree to follow IETF processes and 
policies. This Note Well is a reminder of some of those policies.  For 
a linked version of this text, please visit www.ietf.org/note-well or 
use the QR code below.

IETF participants are expected to behave in a professional manner and 
extend respect and courtesy to their colleagues at all times (see RFC 
7154: IETF Guidelines for Conduct and IETF Anti-Harassment Policy). If 
you have any concerns about behavior, please contact the Ombudsteam who 
have a duty of confidentiality and extensive powers to act, as set out 
in RFC 7776: IETF Anti-Harassment Procedures.

If you are aware that any IETF contribution (as defined in RFC 5378: 
Rights Contributors Provide to the IETF Trust) is covered by patents or 
patent applications that are owned or controlled by you, your employer 
or your sponsor, you must disclose that fact, or not participate in the 
discussion (see RFC 8179: Intellectual Property Rights in IETF 
Technology).

For detailed process information consult RFC 2026: Internet Standards 
Process and RFC 2418: IETF Working Group Guidelines and Procedures and 
updates to those.

The IETF routinely makes public written, audio, video, and photographic 
records of IETF activities, including your personal information as set 
out in the IETF Privacy Statement. 

For advice, please talk to Working Group chairs or Area Directors.
—-

[1] https://chairs.ietf.org/en/meetings#meeting-planning-templates-guides-and-tools
[2] https://www.ietf.org/about/note-well/