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US employee here - I've signed one (plus a patents & inventions at one firm) at every firm I've worked at since 2000 or so. Thus far any side projects haven't
by chiph 10y ago
US employee here - I've signed one (plus a patents & inventions at one firm) at every firm I've worked at since 2000 or so. Thus far any side projects haven't been a problem for them, as I have made sure to target a different industry. But legally, they could have enforced the contract and taken possession of my code.
- jasoncchild 10y agoSome employers allow a waiver against IP ownership of existing side projects related to the industry.
- mindcrime 10y agoBut legally, they could have enforced the contract and taken possession of my code. Not necessarily. Depending on what state you live in, there's a good chance that agreement would violate state law and would be unenforceable.
- maxxxxx 10y agoEven winning a lawsuit costs a lot of money and stress. Unless there is a law that makes courts throw out frivolous lawsuits immediately the employer with lawyers on staff still can make your life very difficult
- mindcrime 10y agoNo doubt. I'm certainly not claiming the current situation is ideal. Just pointing out that it's not always as bad as people think.