Employer wants me to sign an IP agreement saying they own software I wrote two years before I started working there

[paul_ipv6@infosec.exchange]

@nixCraft

i'd talk to a lawyer but from my experience, no they can't. the purpose of enumerating prior art is exactly so they *can't* claim ownership of your prior work and you can't claim ownership of work you do for them once you're working for them.

lawyers love to put things in contracts that are blatant overreach in the hopes you'll just sign it. they are used to redlines to cut out such stuff too.

[galacticstone@mastodon.social]

@nixCraft Refuse to sign and tender your resignation. Start shopping your resume yesterday.

[pomcountyirregs@mstdn.social]

@nixCraft Well, as this non-attorney understands it, a copyright’s ownership can be transferred by written agreement. (Usually, there’s payment.) If I’m correct, then they can certainly ask. But, all those who licensed from you before still have their license.

Any way, they can ask. Asking, though, might be a red flag. After all if you leave their employment they will not give you back your copyright.

[mcv@friendica.opensocial.space]

@Lacey @nixCraft

They included the vague and ill defined "or anticipated".

It's a bad contract and shouldn't hold up in court (if the court was reasonable), even if you weren't being pressured to sign under duress.

It's certainly not standard and I would never sign something like this.

[mcv@friendica.opensocial.space]

@galacticstone @nixCraft

Don't resign, let them fire you. They're in the wrong here. Don't do their dirty work for them.

[lacey@mastodon.gamedev.place]

@mcv @nixCraft yeah, sorry I kinda focused on the actual project, but asking for ownership of even related things fine prior isn't really acceptable

[mcv@friendica.opensocial.space]

@Lacey @nixCraft

In my opinion it's only acceptable for software written during your employment directly relating to your work there. And even then it should have been in your employment contract.

[lacey@mastodon.gamedev.place]

@mcv @nixCraft yeah, that's pretty common. Stuff written prior I've not seen.

[lucasmz@wetdry.world]

@nixCraft name it! Name it! Name it! Name it!

[n1vux@mastodon.radio]

@mwl @nixCraft yep. I modified almost all of those before signing, never had repercussions. ONCE there was a reasonable one standard (on w-2; temp consulting through agency were usually more reasonable).

[niels@social.data.coop]

@nixCraft
Talk to union?