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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.