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Invention Assignment Agreement
Secure ownership of employee or contractor-created inventions with this Invention Assignment Agreement Template.
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Invention Assignment Agreement Template
This Invention Assignment Agreement (“Agreement”) is entered into on [Date], by and between:
Employer/Company: [Full Legal Name / Company Name]
Address: [Address]
Contact: [Phone, Email]
Employee/Contractor: [Full Legal Name]
Address: [Address]
Contact: [Phone, Email]
Together referred to as the “Parties.”
1. Definitions
“Inventions” means any discoveries, improvements, designs, processes, software, works of authorship, or trade secrets conceived, developed, or reduced to practice during the course of employment or engagement with the Company.
2. Assignment of Rights
The Employee/Contractor hereby assigns to the Company all rights, title, and interest in any Inventions created during the term of employment or engagement that relate to the Company’s business or result from use of Company resources.
3. Disclosure of Inventions
The Employee/Contractor agrees to promptly disclose all Inventions to the Company and to maintain written records describing their development.
4. Prior Inventions
The Employee/Contractor shall disclose in writing any inventions developed prior to this Agreement that are excluded from assignment. If no prior inventions are listed, it is presumed that none exist.
5. Confidentiality
The Employee/Contractor shall not disclose or use Company confidential information, except as required in the performance of their duties. This obligation continues after termination of the engagement.
6. Cooperation
The Employee/Contractor agrees to provide reasonable assistance to the Company in securing patents, copyrights, or other protections for assigned Inventions, even after termination of employment.
7. Limitations and State Law
This Agreement shall be interpreted in compliance with applicable state or local laws, which may restrict the scope of assignable inventions (e.g., inventions made entirely on personal time without Company resources).
8. Termination
Upon termination of employment or engagement, the Employee/Contractor shall return all confidential materials and records relating to Inventions.
9. Governing Law
This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of [State/Country].
10. Entire Agreement
This Agreement represents the full understanding between the Parties regarding Inventions and supersedes prior discussions or agreements.
Signatures
Employer/Company: ____________________________ Date: _________
Name/Title: ________________________________________________
Employee/Contractor: _________________________ Date: _________
Name: _________________________________________________
Details
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Invention Assignment Agreement
INVENTION ASSIGNMENT AGREEMENT FAQ
What is an Invention Assignment Agreement?
An Invention Assignment Agreement is a contract that transfers ownership of intellectual property created by an employee or contractor during their employment or engagement to the employer or client.
Why is an Invention Assignment Agreement important?
It ensures that valuable intellectual property—such as patents, designs, or trade secrets—remains the legal property of the business rather than the individual. This prevents disputes over ownership and strengthens the company’s rights to innovations.
When should you use an Invention Assignment Agreement?
Use it when hiring employees, contractors, or consultants who may develop inventions, software, processes, or other intellectual property as part of their role. It is particularly important in technology, engineering, creative, and R&D industries.
What should an Invention Assignment Agreement include?
It should cover definitions of inventions, assignment of rights, disclosure obligations, confidentiality, exceptions for prior inventions, and post-employment cooperation.
Does it apply to inventions made outside of work?
Generally, no. Most agreements only apply to inventions created within the scope of employment or using company resources, though state laws may impose specific limitations.
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