I am hiring on with a company that wants me to sign a patent assignment agreement. The employer is reasuring me it only pertains to patents ...

Question

I am hiring on with a company that wants me to sign a patent assignment agreement. The employer is reasuring me it only pertains to patents that would have something to do with there company, but the wording clearly is mre broad. what are my options? they are not willing to change the wording at this time . If I patent ,trademark, auther, design,or invent anything will it belong to the employer

Answer

As a Franchise Attorney I can only say it's not possible to say without examining the document. Although it's called a patent assignment agreement, it may cover other intellectual property and apply to on-the-job as well as off-the-job inventions, etc. Make a copy of the document and consult with a good business or franchise attorney in your area for specific advice.

Mr. Franchise - Kevin B. Murphy, B.S., M.B.A., J.D.

Franchise Foundations, a Professional Corporation