Ohio Agreement between Employer and Employee as to Inventions with Employee's Assignment of Inventions with Provisions Regarding At-Will Employment and Confidential Information In Ohio, an agreement between an employer and employee regarding inventions is crucial to protect the employer's intellectual property rights and ensure a clear understanding of the employee's obligations. This agreement commonly includes provisions related to at-will employment and maintaining the confidentiality of sensitive information. Here are the key elements and types of Ohio agreements that may exist: 1. Ohio Agreement between Employer and Employee as to Inventions with Employee's Assignment of Inventions: This type of agreement establishes the understanding that any inventions or innovations developed by the employee during their employment belong to the employer. The agreement defines the scope of inventions covered and outlines the employee's obligation to promptly disclose all such inventions to the employer. Additionally, it includes provisions specifying the manner in which ownership and rights are transferred from the employee to the employer. 2. Confidentiality Agreement: While intertwined with the agreement regarding inventions, a confidentiality agreement is a separate document that safeguards the employer's confidential and trade secret information. This agreement ensures that the employee will handle sensitive information with care and not disclose it to unauthorized individuals or organizations. It may include restrictive covenants forbidding the employee from using or sharing confidential information even after termination of employment. 3. At-Will Employment Provision: Ohio is an at-will employment state, meaning either party, the employer or the employee, can terminate the employment relationship at any time, for any reason, without prior notice. However, an "at-will employment" provision can be included in the agreement to reaffirm this understanding and emphasize that nothing in the agreement alters the at-will nature of the employment relationship. 4. Non-Compete and Non-Solicitation Clauses: Although not directly related to inventions, Ohio agreements may also contain non-compete and non-solicitation clauses. These provisions restrict the employee from engaging in similar activities or seeking employment with a competitor for a designated period after leaving the employer. Non-solicitation clauses prevent the employee from recruiting or soliciting other employees of the company. 5. Severability and Governing Law: Agreements usually include a severability clause, ensuring that if any provision is deemed unenforceable, the remainder of the agreement will still hold. Moreover, it is common to specify that the agreement shall be governed by the laws of the state of Ohio, promoting consistency in interpretation and enforcement. Ohio's employers and employees should carefully review these types of agreements, ensuring compliance with state laws and protecting each party's rights and interests. Seeking legal advice before entering such agreements is highly recommended creating enforceable and beneficial arrangements for both parties involved.