CIC Facility Use Agreement

By signing, you receive free access to a workplace at CIC Berlin, Lohmühlenstraße 65 — coworking, meeting rooms, high-speed internet, kitchen, community events. In return, clear rules apply for conduct, safety, and data protection. Below is a concise walkthrough of all 12 sections of the agreement.

§ 1 · Basis and Purpose

HWR Berlin, in cooperation with CIC Berlin, provides you with a workplace to support you during the foundation or early phase of your company. The agreement ends automatically when you leave the program or are excluded under §3.

§ 2 · What You May Use

For the duration of your funding, you get access to the CIC Berlin Start-up Center, Lohmühlenstraße 65, 12435 Berlin. Included:

• Shared workspace and coworking areas
• Meeting and conference rooms with AV technology
• High-speed internet and IT infrastructure
• Kitchen and community areas
• Participation in community events and networking

Register your own events in advance.

§ 3 · Who May Use It — Community Standards

You and your founding team use the premises for your start-up activities. Team changes must be reported to HWR Berlin. The CIC Community Standards apply: polite and respectful conduct, constructive communication, professional conflict resolution. Any form of discrimination leads to exclusion from the community.

§ 4 · You Handle Your Own Registrations

All registrations related to your activity — tax office, chamber of commerce, broadcasting fee authority, etc. — and the associated fees are your responsibility.

§ 5 · House Rules, Access & Conduct

§ 6 · Liability & Insurance

By signing you confirm the proper condition of the premises and release HWR Berlin and CIC Berlin from third-party liability claims. Loss, mix-ups, damage to your belongings — and personal injury — are not covered by HWR/CIC.

Your own private liability insurance is strongly recommended, especially when using laboratories. Upon company formation, a separate business liability policy may also become relevant.

§ 7 · Cost

Workplace and internet flat rate are free of charge. Extraordinary cleaning due to special soiling is at your expense.

§ 8 · Laboratory Use — Separate Agreement Required

All laboratory areas, workshops, and specialized facilities require prior instruction by HWR personnel and a separate laboratory usage agreement as a legally binding supplement. Booking via the central reservation system. No access without a valid laboratory agreement.

§ 9 · Termination and Returning Keys

The agreement terminates automatically when you leave the project — no separate notice needed. Cards and keys must be returned immediately; HWR Berlin will invoice replacement costs directly (see §5).

§ 10 · Data Protection & Intellectual Property

Data processing is GDPR-compliant. Dispose of confidential documents using the security shredders, lock screens when away, store sensitive items securely.

Respect for the patents, trademarks, and copyrights of other community members is mandatory. Unauthorized use of others’ concepts, designs, or business models may result in immediate exclusion.

§ 11 · Health, Safety, Security

• Emergencies: Evacuation plans posted, first-aid kits and defibrillators throughout the building, 24/7 security service.
• Illness symptoms: Please use home office options to protect the community.
• Access: Personalized keycards only. Common areas under video surveillance. Store valuables in lockers/safes.

§ 12 · Final Provisions

• Severability: Invalid provisions leave the rest of the agreement unaffected.
• Amendments: Written form and consent of both parties. Community guidelines and house rules may be amended with 30 days’ notice.
• Jurisdiction: Berlin.