Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!burl!ulysses!mhuxl!houxm!houxz!vax135!floyd!cmcl2!seismo!hao!hplabs!hpda!fortune!wdl1!jbn From: jbn@wdl1.UUCP (John B. Nagle) Newsgroups: net.jobs Subject: Re: employment contract Message-ID: <308@wdl1.UUCP> Date: Tue, 5-Jun-84 21:15:51 EDT Article-I.D.: wdl1.308 Posted: Tue Jun 5 21:15:51 1984 Date-Received: Thu, 7-Jun-84 19:32:40 EDT Lines: 23 Two good books to read on the subject: ``Who owns what is in your head?'' ``Legal care for your software'' I do not, unfortunately, have the authors' names handy. In general, making an agreement that outlives your employment without further compensation after termination is unwise. There are companies that try; most back down if pushed. I, personally, would not sign an agreement not to compete without being paid a very substantial sum. Agreeing not to disclose the company's trade secrets is something else entirely. In such cases it is desirable that the company be required to identify exactly what are trade secrets, though. The scope of invention agreements is limited by law in California and some other states. This is a new protection enacted about two years ago; the concept is that what you do in your off hours belongs to you. The IEEE was active in lobbying for this bill in California; they may be able to provide further details. If you are actually becoming a partner in a partnership, you need a lawyer. A good rule on partnerships is not to go into partnership with anyone you wouldn't give a signature on your bank account.