[arcticbull]

> In California, I've never seen an invention clause in my contracts, but they were also much better at divorcing your work and personal identity systematically (forcing you to use a github account specific to the company, not mentioning this handle on your personal account, etc.).

California has a state law that covers this. Any work you do on your own time, with your own resources (so, not your company laptop or photocopier) is your own and the company cannot force you to assign it - so long as the work is not connected to your employers current or reasonably anticipated business.

More details here: http://www.intellectualpropertylawfirms.com/resources/intell...

[kelnos]

In practice, though, even in CA, I would suggest employees always get something from their company, in writing, disclaiming any ownership of any project they decide to start or work on (in any large capacity), especially if it's a software project and they work for a software company.

Even if you truly believe what you're working on has nothing to do with your employer's line of business, they may disagree, and even if they're wrong, they can make your life difficult and expensive while you try to prove them wrong.

It makes me sad that this is a thing I feel I need to suggest, but I think it's the prudent move, and many companies will even have a fairly painless, well-defined process for doing this.

[arcticbull]

That's a great call-out, and one that's particularly relevant when you work at bigger companies. For instance, what can you confidently say isn't part of Apple's reasonably anticipated future business?

[kiadimoondi]

Suspected this but didn't want to claim anything I couldn't back up. Thanks for the link!