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I can't help but feel that this issue has been addressed long ago in the context of patents. If as an employee you invent something that is related to your nor
by pcrh 14y ago
I can't help but feel that this issue has been addressed long ago in the context of patents.
If as an employee you invent something that is related to your normal job activities, then it is deemed the property of your employer. So a travel agent tweeting airline deals should be considered to be doing their job, and if they are better than their colleagues, then indeed they should get a raise (unless they are sending customers towards a competitor, in which case they get fired). The same person tweeting about racing cars would not be deemed to be doing employment-related activity. An employer simply has to know that a potential employee is "famous online" before deciding whether or not to hire her, along with the risks that that might entail.
- jpdoctor 14y ago> If as an employee you invent something that is related to your normal job activities, then it is deemed the property of your employer You have not fully digested the implications of the invention-rights assignment that all large companies (and most small companies) will make you sign. Note that CA has interesting differences.
- pcrh 14y agoCare to clarify? I'm in the UK, though have worked in the Bay Area for many years.
- jpdoctor 14y agoFirst IANAL. That said: In the US, invention-rights assignment assigns all of your inventions to the companies, whether it relates to your normal job activities or not. CA labor law is (as usual) a little different: If the invention is on your own time, with no resources whatsoever of the company, then the invention is yours regardless of the assignment . Of course, proving that you did not use company resources comes down to $$ in lawyers and court costs.
- pcrh 14y agoThat's how I saw it. The "no company resources" angle is why so many people have their inspirational idea "while on vacation, and driving a friend's car" ;-)