diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 756086dbd..5fc08a30b 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -27,6 +27,9 @@ The keywords "MUST", "MUST NOT", "REQUIRED", "SHALL", "SHALL NOT", "SHOULD", "SH
 
 The keywords "unspecified", "undefined", and "implementation-defined" are to be interpreted as described in the [rationale for the C99 standard][c99-unspecified].
 
+An implementation is not compliant if it fails to satisfy one or more of the MUST, REQUIRED, or SHALL requirements. 
+An implementation is compliant if it satisfies all the MUST, REQUIRED, and SHALL requirements.
+
 ![](img/build-diagram.png)
 
 Once built the OCI Image can then be discovered by name, downloaded, verified by hash, trusted through a signature, and unpacked into an [OCI Runtime Bundle](https://github.com/opencontainers/runtime-spec/blob/master/bundle.md).