Intellectual Property David E. Lafitte Stradling, Yocca, Carlson & Rauth Santa Barbara, CA 805 / 564-1381 dlafitte@sycr.com sycr.com		We employ over 25 engineers. As their employer, do I own the intellectual property they develop? The general rule is that the ownership of an invention is vested in the individual inventor. If an employee signs an agreement specifically assigning his or her rights in any invention to the company, the company owns it. If an employee is hired specifically for the purpose of inventing, then any resulting invention belongs to the company. Absent the above, an employer might only acquire shop rights permitting use of an invention on a non-exclusive and non-transferable basis.

Advice provided herein is presented as general information about recent legal developments. Information is edited to space and should not be construed as specific legal advice or opinion.

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