Same for me, in the USA. Generally, most companies use boilerplate employment agreements provided by their lawyer/HR person/firm. The reaction I usually get is

Same for me, in the USA. Generally, most companies use boilerplate employment agreements provided by their lawyer/HR person/firm. The reaction I usually get is that employers are surprised to learn that clause was even in there, and had no problems removing it. Granted, these were small companies and not tech focused. There was really no conceivable overlap between my side projects and their line of business. MY ADVICE: Use a little human psychology here. Don't create conflict by refusing to sign it, or create work for them by asking them to amend the contract. Instead, amend the contract yourself. Draw a line through the offending clause. Sign the amended contract. Let them know about the amendment you made because you have side/hobby/opensource/whatever projects whose ownership you can't sign over to the company. Ask them to re-sign the amended contract. In other words, make the acceptance of your proposed changes the "path of least resistance"... know what I mean?