Legal question: Itellectual property rights and employment contracts

Discussion in 'Accounting & Tax' started by Superman__, 5th Jan, 2010.

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  1. Superman__

    Superman__ Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    1st Jul, 2015
    Posts:
    350
    Location:
    Gold Coast, QLD
    Normally I am the one answering questions, but I would love an answer to this.

    I have a friend who is an engineer. His employment contract (like most professionals) states something like "all intellectual property created by the employee will be vested in the employer"

    My friend is always coming up with ideas / designs / resources in his own time that do not directly relate to his employment, but I am sure his employer would like to get their hands on them if they could.

    If anyone knows any good resources in relation to how far an employer can go in regards to intellectual property created by employees - especially when what is created is beyond the scope of the employees' normal duties - I would very appreciative.

    Thanks :)
    SM