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Inventions clause: Copy, customize, and use instantly

Introduction

An inventions clause specifies the ownership and rights to any inventions, discoveries, or intellectual property created during the term of an agreement or employment relationship. It typically ensures that the company or party commissioning the work retains ownership of any innovations developed during the course of the relationship. This clause is important for protecting intellectual property and ensuring clear rights to any creations made by employees, contractors, or other involved parties.

Below are templates for inventions clauses tailored to different scenarios. Copy, customize, and insert them into your agreement.

Inventions clause for employer ownership of inventions made during employment

This variation applies when the employer owns any inventions created by the employee during the course of their employment.

The Employee agrees that any invention, discovery, improvement, or other work created during the course of their employment, whether or not during work hours or using company resources, shall be the exclusive property of the Employer. The Employee hereby assigns any and all rights to such inventions to the Employer and agrees to assist in the protection of such inventions as requested by the Employer.

Inventions clause for invention ownership based on use of company resources

This variation applies when inventions created using company resources belong to the employer.

Any inventions, designs, or discoveries made by the Employee that are conceived or reduced to practice using the Employer’s resources, including equipment, facilities, or proprietary information, shall be the sole property of the Employer. The Employee agrees to assign to the Employer all rights to such inventions and will provide all necessary assistance to effectuate such assignment.

Inventions clause for joint ownership of inventions

This variation applies when the invention is jointly owned by the company and the employee.

The Employee and Employer agree that any inventions developed jointly during the course of employment, in collaboration with the Employer’s resources, shall be co-owned by both parties. The terms of such ownership, including the sharing of intellectual property rights, will be agreed upon in a separate written agreement executed by both parties.

Inventions clause for assignment of inventions to the employer

This variation applies when all inventions created during employment are automatically assigned to the employer.

The Employee agrees that any inventions, works of authorship, or designs created during the term of their employment, whether or not within the scope of their assigned duties, shall be automatically assigned to the Employer. The Employee hereby irrevocably assigns all rights, title, and interest in such inventions to the Employer, including any patents, copyrights, or trademarks.

Inventions clause for non-competition and inventions

This variation applies when an employee agrees to a non-compete arrangement concerning their inventions.

The Employee agrees not to use any inventions or technologies created during their employment with the Employer to engage in competitive activities, either directly or indirectly. The Employee agrees that any such inventions shall remain the exclusive property of the Employer and will not be disclosed to any competing entity during or after employment.

Inventions clause for inventions made during a specific project or assignment

This variation applies when inventions made during a specific project are assigned to the company.

Any inventions or discoveries made by the Employee during the execution of the [specific project or assignment] shall be the exclusive property of the Employer. The Employee agrees to disclose such inventions to the Employer promptly and to execute any necessary documents to transfer ownership rights to the Employer.

Inventions clause for inventions with a commercial application

This variation applies when the inventions created have commercial potential.

The Employee acknowledges that any inventions or discoveries developed during the course of their employment that have commercial application, including patents, processes, designs, or products, shall be the exclusive property of the Employer. The Employee agrees to assist the Employer in securing patents, copyrights, or other protections for such inventions and to further assist in commercializing the inventions as requested.

Inventions clause for invention rights after termination of employment

This variation applies to inventions made after the employee leaves the company.

Any inventions created by the Employee after the termination of their employment with the Employer that relate to the work the Employee performed during their tenure shall remain the exclusive property of the Employer. The Employee agrees to assign any rights to such inventions to the Employer and cooperate in the transfer of such inventions, should the Employer request it.

Inventions clause for inventions outside the scope of employment

This variation applies when inventions made outside the scope of employment belong to the employee.

Inventions, discoveries, or other intellectual property developed by the Employee outside of work hours and without the use of the Employer’s resources shall remain the exclusive property of the Employee. The Employee agrees to promptly notify the Employer of any such inventions but is under no obligation to assign them to the Employer unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Inventions clause for inclusion of subcontractors or third parties

This variation applies when third parties, such as subcontractors, contribute to the creation of inventions.

Any inventions, discoveries, or creations made by subcontractors or third parties working under the direction of the Employee during the course of the Employee’s employment shall be considered the property of the Employer. The Employee agrees to ensure that all third parties involved in the creation of such intellectual property assign their rights to the Employer.

This variation applies when the invention is related to the company’s business or products.

Any invention, design, or discovery developed by the Employee, whether or not during the course of employment, that relates directly to the business of the Employer, including its products, services, or research, shall be deemed the property of the Employer. The Employee agrees to assign all rights to such inventions to the Employer and to assist in any legal proceedings to protect the Employer’s interest.

Inventions clause for confidentiality of inventions

This variation applies to the confidentiality of inventions made during the employment period.

The Employee agrees to maintain confidentiality regarding any inventions or discoveries made during their employment with the Employer. The Employee shall not disclose, use, or share any such inventions or intellectual property with any third party without the prior written consent of the Employer.

Inventions clause for inventor’s moral rights

This variation applies when the inventor retains certain moral rights.

The Employee agrees that the Employer shall have full ownership of all inventions, but the Employee retains the right to be named as the inventor in any patent application or other legal protection for the inventions. The Employer agrees to respect the Employee’s moral rights as the inventor and to acknowledge the Employee’s contribution when required by law.

Inventions clause for additional compensation for invention creation

This variation applies when the employee is entitled to additional compensation for inventions.

In the event the Employee develops an invention during the course of their employment that has significant commercial value, the Employer agrees to negotiate additional compensation for the Employee. The Employee’s rights to the invention, including any patent rights, shall remain with the Employer, but compensation will be offered as mutually agreed upon.

Inventions clause for future inventions

This variation applies when the clause covers inventions created after the agreement is signed.

The Employee agrees that any inventions or discoveries made during the term of this Agreement, even if developed after the Agreement is signed, that are based on the Employer’s work or use the Employer’s resources shall be the exclusive property of the Employer. The Employee agrees to promptly disclose such inventions to the Employer and assign all rights to the inventions.

Inventions clause for joint inventions with third-party collaborations

This variation applies when the invention is jointly created with a third party.

Any inventions created jointly by the Employee and a third-party collaborator during the term of employment shall be co-owned by the Employee and the Employer. The parties agree to execute a separate agreement detailing the specific rights and responsibilities concerning the use, commercialization, and protection of the jointly owned inventions.

Inventions clause for prior inventions disclosure

This variation applies when the employee must disclose any prior inventions before joining the company.

The Employee agrees to disclose in writing to the Employer any inventions, patents, or other intellectual property that the Employee has developed prior to their employment. These prior inventions will remain the exclusive property of the Employee unless otherwise agreed in writing. The Employee further agrees that no such inventions will be used in the course of their work for the Employer without written consent.

Inventions clause for ongoing obligation after termination

This variation applies to ongoing obligations regarding inventions even after termination.

The Employee agrees that their obligations regarding the inventions created during the term of their employment shall survive the termination of this Agreement. The Employee will continue to assist the Employer in the protection and transfer of any intellectual property rights associated with inventions developed during their employment.

This variation applies when inventions related to the company’s business activities must be transferred to the employer.

Any inventions, discoveries, or improvements made by the Employee, either individually or jointly with others, that relate directly to the business activities of the Employer, including its products or services, shall be the sole property of the Employer. The Employee agrees to assign all rights to such inventions to the Employer immediately upon creation.

Inventions clause for invention ownership after employment ends

This variation applies when invention ownership extends beyond the term of employment.

Any inventions, discoveries, or works created by the Employee during the term of employment, including any invention made after employment ends that is based on the Employer’s confidential information, shall remain the exclusive property of the Employer. The Employee agrees to assign such rights to the Employer even after the termination of employment.

Inventions clause for disclosure and assignment of inventions to the employer

This variation applies when the employee is required to disclose and assign inventions to the employer.

The Employee agrees to promptly disclose to the Employer any inventions, discoveries, or improvements made during the course of their employment. The Employee assigns all rights, title, and interest in such inventions to the Employer, and agrees to assist in the preparation and prosecution of any patent, copyright, or other protection related to such inventions.

Inventions clause for non-disclosure of inventions to third parties

This variation applies when the employee is restricted from disclosing inventions to third parties.

The Employee agrees not to disclose any inventions, discoveries, or other works developed during their employment to any third parties without the prior written consent of the Employer. This includes inventions made outside of regular working hours or without using the Employer’s resources.

Inventions clause for assignment of intellectual property during employment

This variation applies when the employee’s intellectual property created during employment is automatically assigned to the employer.

The Employee agrees that any intellectual property, including inventions, designs, and processes, developed during the course of their employment with the Employer, shall automatically be assigned to the Employer. The Employee waives any rights to claim ownership of such intellectual property.

Inventions clause for ownership of inventions created on personal time

This variation applies to inventions created by the employee on personal time without the use of company resources.

Inventions created by the Employee outside of working hours and without the use of the Employer’s resources shall remain the sole property of the Employee. However, if the invention is related to the Employer’s business or uses proprietary information belonging to the Employer, the Employee agrees to assign ownership of the invention to the Employer.

Inventions clause for creation of inventions with third-party contributions

This variation applies when third parties contribute to the creation of inventions during the employment.

If the Employee collaborates with a third party during the course of employment in creating any inventions, the Employee agrees to assign all rights to the inventions to the Employer. The Employee also agrees to ensure that any third parties involved in the invention process also assign their rights to the Employer.

Inventions clause for post-employment obligations regarding inventions

This variation applies to inventions that arise post-employment but are related to the work performed during employment.

The Employee agrees that any inventions, designs, or discoveries made after the termination of their employment, which relate to or were developed based on the work performed during employment, shall remain the exclusive property of the Employer. The Employee agrees to cooperate with the Employer in assigning any such rights.

Inventions clause for inclusion of prior inventions in agreement

This variation applies when the employee must disclose prior inventions at the start of employment.

The Employee agrees to disclose any inventions, patents, or other intellectual property that they developed before the commencement of employment. Such prior inventions will remain the Employee’s property unless otherwise agreed to in writing by both parties.

Inventions clause for rights to inventions developed with external funding

This variation applies when inventions are developed with external funding but the company retains ownership.

The Employer shall retain full ownership rights to any inventions, designs, or discoveries developed by the Employee, even if the Employee uses external funding to create such inventions. The Employee agrees to assign all intellectual property rights in any such inventions to the Employer.

Inventions clause for protection of inventions through patents or copyrights

This variation applies when the employee is obligated to assist in obtaining patents or copyrights for inventions.

The Employee agrees to assist the Employer in applying for patents, copyrights, or other intellectual property protections for any inventions, designs, or discoveries created during their employment. The Employee shall execute any documents necessary to transfer rights to the Employer and ensure the Employer’s ownership is protected.

Inventions clause for rights to inventions arising from customer or client work

This variation applies to inventions created during client or customer-related work.

Any inventions, discoveries, or improvements made by the Employee during the performance of client or customer-related work, either directly or indirectly related to the Employer’s business, shall be considered the exclusive property of the Employer. The Employee agrees to assign all rights to such inventions to the Employer.

Inventions clause for assignment of rights to inventions created by contractors or subcontractors

This variation applies to inventions created by contractors or subcontractors.

The Employee agrees that any inventions, discoveries, or creations made by contractors or subcontractors under the Employee’s direction during the course of employment shall be assigned to the Employer. The Employee will ensure that such contractors or subcontractors assign their rights to the Employer.

Inventions clause for inventions created during the use of company proprietary information

This variation applies when inventions are created using the employer’s proprietary information.

The Employee agrees that any inventions or discoveries created during the course of their employment, which use or are based on the Employer’s proprietary information or trade secrets, shall be the exclusive property of the Employer. The Employee shall assign all rights to such inventions to the Employer.

Inventions clause for a shared invention agreement between the employer and employee

This variation applies when the employer and employee share ownership of inventions.

The Employee and the Employer agree that any inventions created during the course of employment that result from collaboration between the Employee and Employer shall be jointly owned. The parties agree to equally share the rights, benefits, and responsibilities related to the commercialization, protection, and use of the inventions.

Inventions clause for the use of inventions for future innovation or research

This variation applies to inventions used for future research or innovation purposes.

The Employee agrees that any inventions made during the course of employment may be used by the Employer for future research, development, and innovation projects. The Employer retains the right to use, modify, and commercialize the inventions as part of ongoing business activities.

Inventions clause for ongoing ownership of inventions after employee’s departure

This variation applies when the employer retains ownership of inventions even after the employee’s departure.

The Employee acknowledges that any inventions, discoveries, or designs made during their employment, including those made after their departure, which are based on or related to the Employer’s business, shall remain the exclusive property of the Employer. The Employee agrees to continue cooperating with the Employer after employment to secure any intellectual property rights.

Inventions clause for non-compete restrictions tied to inventions

This variation applies when the employee is restricted from competing with the employer based on inventions.

The Employee agrees not to use any inventions or intellectual property created during their employment to compete with the Employer, either directly or indirectly. The Employee shall not use the Employer’s inventions for personal gain or to assist any competing entity in developing similar inventions.

Inventions clause for the retention of ownership of inventions for a set period after employment

This variation applies when ownership is retained for a period after employment ends.

The Employee agrees that any inventions created during their employment, which are related to the Employer’s business, shall remain the property of the Employer for [insert time period] following the termination of employment. The Employee agrees not to use such inventions during this period without the written consent of the Employer.

Inventions clause for inventions made using company’s confidential information

This variation applies when inventions are created using the company’s confidential information.

The Employee agrees that any inventions, discoveries, or improvements made during their employment, that are based on or use the Employer’s confidential information, proprietary data, or trade secrets, shall be the exclusive property of the Employer. The Employee shall immediately assign all rights to such inventions to the Employer upon creation.

This variation applies when inventions are developed outside of work hours but are related to the employee’s work.

The Employee agrees that any inventions, designs, or developments created outside of work hours, but which relate directly to the Employee’s work with the Employer, shall be the exclusive property of the Employer. The Employee agrees to disclose these inventions to the Employer promptly and assign all rights to them.

Inventions clause for assignment of invention rights upon request

This variation applies when invention rights are assigned to the employer upon request.

The Employee agrees that all inventions made during the course of their employment, including inventions created after termination that relate to the work performed during employment, shall be assigned to the Employer upon request. The Employee agrees to cooperate with the Employer to formalize this assignment.

Inventions clause for assignment of intellectual property developed in collaboration

This variation applies to inventions developed in collaboration between the employer and third parties.

The Employee agrees that any inventions, discoveries, or creations made during the course of employment, in collaboration with third parties or external organizations, shall be the sole property of the Employer. The Employee will ensure that any third parties involved assign their rights to the Employer.

Inventions clause for inventions conceived outside normal duties

This variation applies to inventions created outside of the normal scope of duties.

The Employee agrees to assign to the Employer any inventions, discoveries, or improvements conceived or reduced to practice during their employment, regardless of whether they were within the scope of the Employee’s normal duties or responsibilities. The Employee agrees to assist in the assignment of such rights.

Inventions clause for continuing obligations after termination of employment

This variation applies to continuing obligations to assign inventions even after the termination of employment.

The Employee agrees that their obligation to assign inventions created during the term of their employment shall continue after the termination of employment. The Employee further agrees to provide assistance to the Employer in the protection and use of such inventions for as long as necessary after employment ends.

Inventions clause for the sale or transfer of inventions to a third party

This variation applies to inventions that are transferred to a third party.

The Employee agrees that any inventions created during their employment may be sold, transferred, or assigned to a third party by the Employer. The Employee agrees to assist the Employer in completing the sale or transfer of such inventions, including executing any necessary documents.

Inventions clause for the retention of rights to inventions made using employer's resources

This variation applies to inventions made using the employer’s resources but outside the scope of the employee’s job.

The Employee agrees that any inventions made using the Employer’s resources, including equipment, intellectual property, or confidential information, even if developed outside the scope of the Employee’s duties, shall remain the exclusive property of the Employer. The Employee agrees to assign any such inventions to the Employer immediately upon creation.

Inventions clause for commercial exploitation of inventions by the employer

This variation applies when the employer seeks to commercially exploit inventions.

The Employee agrees that any inventions made during their employment that can be commercially exploited shall be exclusively owned by the Employer. The Employee agrees to assist in the commercialization of such inventions and to take all necessary steps to protect the Employer’s interests in these inventions.

Inventions clause for shared intellectual property ownership

This variation applies when both the employer and the employee share ownership of intellectual property.

The Employee and the Employer agree that any inventions, discoveries, or works of authorship created jointly during employment shall be co-owned by both parties. The parties will share all rights to the intellectual property, including patents, copyrights, and other protections, and agree to cooperate in the commercialization and protection of the inventions.

Inventions clause for invention rights based on work-for-hire agreement

This variation applies to inventions created under a work-for-hire agreement.

The Employee agrees that any inventions, designs, works of authorship, or discoveries created during the course of their employment under this Agreement shall be considered "work-for-hire" and shall be the exclusive property of the Employer. The Employee agrees to assign any rights to such inventions, if necessary.

This variation applies when inventions are tied to future innovations or ongoing research.

The Employee agrees that any inventions made during their employment, which are related to the ongoing research and development activities of the Employer, shall remain the property of the Employer. The Employee acknowledges that these inventions may be used as part of the Employer’s future innovation strategies.

Inventions clause for rights to inventions created by subcontractors

This variation applies when inventions are created by subcontractors working under the employee’s supervision.

The Employee agrees that any inventions or intellectual property developed by subcontractors or third-party contractors under the Employee’s supervision during the course of their employment shall be assigned to the Employer. The Employee will ensure that all subcontractors agree to assign their rights to the Employer.

This variation applies when the employee agrees not to compete with the employer using inventions created during employment.

The Employee agrees not to use any inventions, discoveries, or innovations created during their employment with the Employer in any competitive activity. The Employee further agrees not to disclose or use such inventions for any personal or third-party gain during or after employment.

Inventions clause for disclosure of inventions upon termination

This variation applies to the disclosure of inventions when employment is terminated.

The Employee agrees to disclose all inventions, designs, or innovations created during the term of employment to the Employer upon termination of employment. The Employee further agrees to assign all rights to such inventions to the Employer and cooperate in ensuring proper protection and transfer of intellectual property rights.

Inventions clause for moral rights of the employee as inventor

This variation applies when the employee retains moral rights to inventions.

The Employee acknowledges that the inventions created during their employment are the exclusive property of the Employer. However, the Employee retains the right to be recognized as the inventor in any patent application or similar legal proceeding, as required by law.

Inventions clause for royalty payments for post-employment inventions

This variation applies when royalty payments are provided for inventions created post-employment.

The Employee agrees that any inventions related to the Employer’s business created after the termination of employment shall remain the property of the Employer. If the Employer chooses to commercialize such inventions, the Employee will receive a royalty payment based on the revenues generated from the inventions, as mutually agreed.

Inventions clause for the use of inventions in the employer’s future projects

This variation applies when inventions are used in future projects by the employer.

The Employee agrees that any inventions created during their employment, whether during regular working hours or otherwise, may be used by the Employer in its future business activities. The Employer retains the right to integrate these inventions into future projects and developments without further consent from the Employee.

Inventions clause for protection of inventions through patents

This variation applies when inventions must be protected through patents.

The Employee agrees to assist the Employer in applying for patents or other intellectual property protections for any inventions created during their employment. The Employee agrees to execute all necessary documents and take any actions required to protect the Employer’s rights to the inventions.

Inventions clause for inventions created in response to specific employer requests

This variation applies when inventions are created in response to specific employer requests.

Any inventions, designs, or discoveries made by the Employee that are created in response to specific requests or instructions from the Employer shall be the exclusive property of the Employer. The Employee agrees to immediately disclose any such inventions to the Employer and to assign all rights to them.

Inventions clause for inventions made during business trips

This variation applies to inventions made by the employee during business trips or while traveling for work.

Any inventions, discoveries, or developments created by the Employee during business trips, whether domestic or international, using the resources of the Employer or related to the Employer's business, shall be considered the exclusive property of the Employer. The Employee agrees to promptly disclose such inventions and assign all rights to them.

Inventions clause for inventions created using third-party funding

This variation applies to inventions developed using third-party funding but which are still the property of the Employer.

The Employee agrees that any inventions, discoveries, or innovations made during the term of their employment, even if partially funded by third parties, shall be the exclusive property of the Employer. The Employee will assist the Employer in assigning and securing rights to such inventions, regardless of external funding sources.

This variation applies when inventions directly relate to the company’s products or services.

Any inventions, improvements, or discoveries developed by the Employee during the term of their employment that directly relate to the company’s existing or potential products and services shall be the sole property of the Employer. The Employee agrees to assign all rights, title, and interest in these inventions to the Employer.

Inventions clause for release of rights upon completion of assigned tasks

This variation applies when the Employee’s inventions are released to the Employer after completing specific tasks.

The Employee agrees that any inventions or discoveries made during the completion of specific tasks assigned by the Employer, as outlined in this Agreement, shall be immediately transferred to the Employer. The Employee will take all necessary steps to assign these rights to the Employer upon task completion.

Inventions clause for no ownership of inventions created with personal time

This variation applies to inventions created during personal time without the use of company resources.

The Employee agrees that any inventions, designs, or discoveries created outside of work hours, without the use of the Employer's resources, and unrelated to the Employer's business, shall remain the property of the Employee. The Employee is not required to assign such inventions to the Employer.

Inventions clause for the Employer’s right to use inventions for future developments

This variation applies when the Employer retains the right to use inventions for future projects.

The Employee agrees that any inventions or creations made during their employment, whether or not related to the current business activities of the Employer, may be used by the Employer for future projects or business developments. The Employer retains the right to modify, use, or commercialize these inventions as it sees fit.

Inventions clause for financial compensation tied to invention creation

This variation applies when the Employee is financially compensated for inventions.

The Employee agrees that any inventions created during their employment shall remain the property of the Employer. In exchange for the Employee’s assignment of these inventions, the Employer agrees to provide additional compensation based on the commercialization or use of the inventions, as detailed in a separate agreement.

Inventions clause for pre-existing inventions

This variation applies when the Employee discloses inventions that were created before employment.

The Employee agrees to disclose any inventions, patents, or intellectual property created prior to their employment with the Employer. Such inventions, unless explicitly agreed upon in writing, shall remain the Employee’s property. If any pre-existing inventions relate to the Employer’s business, the Employee agrees to negotiate a separate agreement regarding the rights to such inventions.

Inventions clause for restricted use of inventions during post-employment period

This variation applies when the Employee is restricted from using the Employer’s inventions after employment ends.

The Employee agrees not to use, disclose, or commercialize any inventions created during their employment with the Employer after the termination of their employment. The Employee acknowledges that the Employer retains ownership of these inventions, and the Employee shall not use them for personal or third-party benefit.

Inventions clause for co-ownership of inventions

This variation applies when the Employee and Employer share ownership of inventions.

The Employee and the Employer agree that any inventions created during the term of employment, whether individually or jointly, shall be co-owned by both parties. Both the Employee and Employer shall share any profits, royalties, or commercial benefits resulting from the invention in accordance with a mutually agreed-upon formula.

Inventions clause for immediate assignment of rights to the employer

This variation applies when the rights to inventions are immediately assigned to the employer.

The Employee agrees that any inventions, whether developed during regular working hours or outside of work, shall be immediately assigned to the Employer. The Employee agrees to take all necessary actions to transfer ownership rights to the Employer as soon as the invention is created.

Inventions clause for invention registration and assignment

This variation applies to the registration and formal assignment of inventions to the Employer.

The Employee agrees to promptly assist the Employer in registering any inventions, including filing patent applications or other necessary legal documentation to secure the Employer’s rights to the invention. The Employee further agrees to assign all rights to such inventions to the Employer upon creation.

Inventions clause for disclosure of inventions created during the notice period

This variation applies when inventions are created during the Employee’s notice period.

The Employee agrees to disclose any inventions or discoveries made during the notice period to the Employer. These inventions will be subject to the terms of this Agreement, and the Employee will immediately assign all rights to the Employer upon discovery.

Inventions clause for Employee's right to retain some inventions

This variation applies when the Employee retains ownership of certain inventions.

The Employee retains ownership of any inventions or intellectual property that are unrelated to the Employer’s business and were developed entirely on the Employee’s own time, without the use of the Employer’s resources. The Employee agrees to provide the Employer with a written list of such inventions upon commencement of employment.

Inventions clause for protection of inventions during employment

This variation applies when the Employee is responsible for protecting inventions during employment.

The Employee agrees to protect and maintain confidentiality regarding any inventions or discoveries made during their employment. The Employee shall immediately notify the Employer upon creating any inventions and will assist the Employer in the protection of these inventions, including filing for patents or other forms of legal protection.

Inventions clause for perpetual right of the Employer to inventions

This variation applies to inventions where the Employer retains perpetual rights.

The Employee agrees that any inventions or discoveries made during their employment, whether or not related to the work performed, shall remain the exclusive property of the Employer. The Employer retains the right to use, modify, or otherwise exploit these inventions indefinitely.

This variation applies when rights to patents related to inventions are granted to the Employer.

The Employee agrees to assign any inventions or discoveries made during their employment to the Employer. The Employee grants the Employer the right to file for patents and other intellectual property protections related to such inventions. The Employee agrees to cooperate in the filing and enforcement of such patents.

Inventions clause for assignments based on successful patent applications

This variation applies when assignments are made contingent on successful patent applications.

The Employee agrees to assign any inventions created during their employment to the Employer, contingent on the successful filing and approval of a patent application. The Employer will cover the costs of filing for patents, and the Employee agrees to assist in the prosecution of any such applications.

Inventions clause for inventions developed for specific projects

This variation applies when inventions are developed for specific projects within the company.

The Employee agrees that any inventions, discoveries, or designs created during the course of specific projects assigned by the Employer shall be the exclusive property of the Employer. The Employee will assign all rights, title, and interest in these inventions to the Employer upon completion of the project.

Inventions clause for confidentiality of inventions

This variation applies when inventions are to be kept confidential during the creation process.

The Employee agrees to keep all inventions, discoveries, or designs made during their employment confidential until such time as the Employer decides to disclose them. The Employee shall not share, publish, or use any of these inventions for personal benefit or with third parties without the written consent of the Employer.

Inventions clause for post-employment assignment of inventions

This variation applies when the Employee must assign inventions created post-employment to the Employer.

The Employee agrees to assign to the Employer any inventions, designs, or works that are created within [insert number of months] after the termination of employment if such inventions relate to the work performed during the Employee's tenure. The Employee agrees to execute any necessary documents to complete the assignment.

Inventions clause for rights to inventions created for the public good

This variation applies when inventions are created for the public good or societal benefit.

The Employee agrees that any inventions, designs, or discoveries created during employment that are intended for the public good or to advance societal interests shall be the property of the Employer. The Employer agrees to use these inventions for public benefit and to waive any personal claims of the Employee.

Inventions clause for share of profits from commercialized inventions

This variation applies when the Employee receives a share of profits from the commercialization of inventions.

The Employee agrees that any inventions created during their employment shall be the property of the Employer. However, if the invention is successfully commercialized, the Employee will be entitled to a percentage of the profits, as detailed in a separate agreement executed by both parties.

Inventions clause for employment agreement covering inventions created outside work

This variation applies when inventions created outside of work are assigned to the Employer.

The Employee agrees that any inventions, designs, or improvements created outside of work hours or outside the scope of their normal duties that relate to the Employer’s business shall be the exclusive property of the Employer. The Employee agrees to assign all rights to these inventions to the Employer.

Inventions clause for inventions made during employer-sponsored research

This variation applies when inventions are created during employer-sponsored research.

Any inventions, discoveries, or designs made by the Employee during the course of research sponsored or funded by the Employer shall be the exclusive property of the Employer. The Employee agrees to assign all intellectual property rights to the Employer immediately upon creation of such inventions.

Inventions clause for patent rights tied to employee obligations

This variation applies when patent rights are directly tied to the employee’s obligations.

The Employee agrees to assign to the Employer any patent rights arising from inventions made during the term of employment. The Employee further agrees to assist the Employer in securing patents or other forms of protection for the inventions and to execute any necessary documents to complete the assignment.

Inventions clause for rights to inventions in the case of wrongful termination

This variation applies to inventions made if the Employee is wrongfully terminated.

In the event of wrongful termination, the Employee retains the rights to any inventions created during employment. However, if the termination is not deemed wrongful, the Employee agrees to assign all inventions made during employment to the Employer, regardless of the circumstances of termination.

Inventions clause for assignment of rights for inventions made in collaboration with clients

This variation applies when inventions are made in collaboration with clients.

The Employee agrees that any inventions, designs, or discoveries created in collaboration with clients or customers during the course of their employment shall be the exclusive property of the Employer. The Employee agrees to assign all rights to these inventions to the Employer, even if the client also has an interest in the inventions.

Inventions clause for assignment of intellectual property from joint ventures

This variation applies to inventions developed during a joint venture.

Any inventions, patents, or intellectual property created by the Employee during a joint venture or collaboration with external partners shall be co-owned by the Employer and the external partner unless otherwise agreed in writing. The Employee agrees to assist in the protection and commercialization of the jointly owned intellectual property.

Inventions clause for non-use of inventions in competing businesses

This variation applies to inventions made during employment that cannot be used in competing businesses.

The Employee agrees not to use or disclose any inventions created during their employment to any competing business or entity. The Employee shall not assist any competitor in developing products or services based on the inventions created during their employment with the Employer.

Inventions clause for compensation for significant inventions

This variation applies to inventions that are particularly significant and may result in additional compensation.

If the Employee develops an invention during their employment that significantly enhances the Employer's business or product offerings, the Employer agrees to negotiate additional compensation for the Employee based on the value of the invention. The Employee will continue to assign ownership of the invention to the Employer.

Inventions clause for restriction on use of inventions post-employment

This variation applies to restrictions on the Employee’s use of inventions after employment ends.

The Employee agrees not to use, disclose, or commercialize any inventions created during their employment with the Employer after their departure. The Employee acknowledges that all rights to the inventions belong solely to the Employer, and any use of these inventions without the Employer’s permission will result in legal action.

Inventions clause for rights to inventions created with employer resources

This variation applies when inventions are created with the Employer's resources.

The Employee agrees that any inventions, discoveries, or designs made during their employment with the Employer, using the Employer’s resources, including equipment, proprietary data, or funding, shall be the exclusive property of the Employer. The Employee agrees to assist in transferring all rights to the Employer.

Inventions clause for no obligation for inventions unrelated to business

This variation applies when the Employee is not obligated to assign inventions unrelated to the Employer’s business.

The Employee shall not be required to assign inventions, discoveries, or works made during their employment that are unrelated to the Employer’s business. However, any inventions related to the Employer’s business, including any use of the Employer’s resources, shall be assigned to the Employer.

Inventions clause for continuation of intellectual property obligations after employment

This variation applies to continued obligations to assign intellectual property rights after employment ends.

The Employee agrees that the obligation to assign any inventions, discoveries, or intellectual property created during employment shall continue after the termination of employment. The Employee agrees to assist the Employer in securing and protecting these inventions, including signing necessary documents after their departure.

Inventions clause for rights to inventions based on specific job roles

This variation applies to job-specific invention rights.

The Employee agrees that any inventions, designs, or works developed during the course of their employment, related to the Employee’s specific job role or duties, shall be the exclusive property of the Employer. The Employee agrees to immediately disclose any such inventions to the Employer and assign all intellectual property rights to the Employer.

This variation applies to payment terms for the assignment of inventions.

The Employee agrees to assign all rights to inventions created during their employment to the Employer. In exchange for the assignment, the Employer agrees to provide the Employee with compensation based on the commercialization or use of the inventions. The terms of such compensation will be outlined in a separate agreement.

Inventions clause for protection of inventions after disclosure

This variation applies to the protection of inventions after they are disclosed.

The Employee agrees to immediately disclose any inventions, designs, or discoveries made during their employment to the Employer. After disclosure, the Employer will take all necessary steps to protect these inventions, including filing for patents or copyrights, and the Employee agrees to assist in this process.

Inventions clause for use of inventions in future products

This variation applies when inventions are used for future product development.

The Employee agrees that any inventions created during their employment that are related to future product development or business strategies of the Employer shall be the exclusive property of the Employer. The Employee agrees to assist in the use, modification, or commercialization of these inventions in future product lines.

This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Cobrief is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer.

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