I'd talk to an employment attorney, or at least make a more detailed posted /r/legaladvice to see if they think you should talk to one. If you're going to ask f

I'd talk to an employment attorney, or at least make a more detailed posted /r/legaladvice to see if they think you should talk to one. If you're going to ask for permission, I would definitely talk to the attorney before doing that, as tipping your hand may set bad things in motion from the company. Ethically, I think you're giving them the same or more consideration than they'd give you. Companies screw over small developers all the time, it's just business.