Share my work with my employer or keep it to myself?

Posted by 41k3n 10 years, 9 months ago to Business
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I have been developing a technology that my employer would be very interested in if he understood it. He has no interest in it yet.

Personally I have a value attached to seeing this technology out in the real world - but I also want to get rewarded in a way that compensates my work. My employer could probably push the technology out into the world but I might just get a little bonus for it.

It would be self-destructive to leave my employer because I worked very long on getting where I am.

Any ideas how to handle this situation?

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  • Posted by khalling 10 years, 9 months ago in reply to this comment.
    because he is not willing to leave, the legal side has little relevance. If he uses his employer's stuff or on his employer's time, then they may have a "shop right"to the invention. He was clear, he was not willing to leave, therefore, his bargaining power is slight
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  • Posted by freedomforall 10 years, 9 months ago in reply to this comment.
    Unless its in an area unrelated to his job, but as you say usually it will be covered. I never signed one giving up my rights; I purposely and overtly refused. Left more or less amicably about 18 mo later. Haven't considered working under such conditions since.
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  • Posted by khalling 10 years, 9 months ago in reply to this comment.
    if the tech is of interest to the employer, it's likely it will be covered by his employment agreement already
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  • Posted by khalling 10 years, 9 months ago
    this is not to be construed as legal advise. it's all dependent on your employment contract. from a legal perspective. If you aren't willing to leave, it will be about politics. I am lousy at giving good corporate political advice. someone else may be better at it. In corporations, inventors are rarely awarded to the level of their contribution. Entrepreneurs do get rewarded. sorry. and good luck
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  • Posted by Zenphamy 10 years, 9 months ago
    What is your contract with your employer? Did you develop the technology through your work and/or with your employer's resources?
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