Client Guidelines Guide
Introduction
The Misconception
When clients add AI clauses to contracts, teams often interpret this as a blanket ban. In reality, most clauses are about control, not prohibition — they want to know what tools are being used, how data is handled, and who's accountable for AI outputs.
The Opportunity
Understanding client AI positions gives us a competitive advantage. Agencies that can clearly articulate their AI governance and work within client frameworks build deeper trust and unlock more advanced use of AI over time.
How to use this guide
Start with the four core principles — these apply to every client, regardless of their specific position. Then look up your client's specific rules for the details that matter for that account.
If your client isn't listed here, apply the Havas Baseline Guidelines and flag it to the AI team for inclusion.
How to read the matrix
- Approved (A) — no extra steps needed
- Conditional (C) — OK with requirements, see the note on that cell
- Check First (Q) — not confirmed, verify before use
- Not Permitted (N) — do not use without explicit sign-off
Tools covered
Ten tools are tracked across every client: LynxAI, AVA, Microsoft Copilot, and NotebookLM (Enterprise Core); Vermeer, Vurvey, ElevenLabs, HeyGen, and Runway (Specialised); and Consumer AI (Not Approved).
A note on this guide
Every client page here is a working summary for quick reference — not a substitute for the signed agreement. When something is high-stakes or ambiguous, check with the account lead or the AI team before proceeding.
MSA-level clients
| Client | LynxAI | AVA | Microsoft Copilot | NotebookLM | Vermeer | Vurvey | ElevenLabs | HeyGen | Runway | Consumer AI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AbbVie | Conditional | Conditional | Conditional | Conditional | Check first | Check first | Check first | Check first | Check first | Not permitted |
| Amgen | Conditional | Conditional | Approved | Check first | Check first | Check first | Check first | Check first | Check first | Not permitted |
| Boston Scientific | Approved | Check first | Conditional | Check first | Not permitted | Not permitted | Not permitted | Not permitted | Not permitted | Not permitted |
| Galderma | Check first | Check first | Conditional | Check first | Check first | Check first | Conditional | Conditional | Conditional | Not permitted |
| Janssen | Conditional | Conditional | Conditional | Conditional | Check first | Check first | Check first | Check first | Check first | Not permitted |
| Novartis | Conditional | Conditional | Conditional | Conditional | Check first | Check first | Check first | Check first | Check first | Not permitted |
| Sanofi | Conditional | Conditional | Conditional | Conditional | Check first | Check first | Check first | Check first | Check first | Not permitted |
| GSK | Conditional | Conditional | Conditional | Conditional | Not permitted | Not permitted | Not permitted | Not permitted | Not permitted | Not permitted |
Code of Conduct clients
| Client | LynxAI | AVA | Microsoft Copilot | NotebookLM | Vermeer | Vurvey | ElevenLabs | HeyGen | Runway | Consumer AI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AstraZeneca | Approved | Approved | Approved | Approved | Conditional | Conditional | Conditional | Conditional | Conditional | Not permitted |
| Boehringer Ingelheim | Conditional | Conditional | Conditional | Conditional | Conditional | Conditional | Conditional | Conditional | Conditional | Not permitted |
| Lilly | Conditional | Conditional | Conditional | Conditional | Check first | Check first | Check first | Check first | Check first | Not permitted |