This form is for an employee invention and confidentiality agreement. For use by a company to retain ownership of any inventions, patents, etc, developed by an employee in the course of employment. Adapt to fit your circumstances.
The Wisconsin Employee Invention Agreement, also known as the Wisconsin Invention Assignment Agreement, is a legal document that outlines the terms and conditions regarding ownership and disclosure of employee inventions created during the course of employment in the state of Wisconsin. This agreement typically applies to employees who work in industries where invention and innovation are common, such as technology, research and development, or engineering. Its purpose is to clearly establish the rights and ownership of any inventions or intellectual property developed by the employee while working for the employer. The Wisconsin Employee Invention Agreement consists of several key components: 1. Definition of Inventions: The agreement specifies what constitutes an invention, typically including patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, industrial designs, and any improvements or modifications to existing inventions. 2. Ownership and Assignment of Inventions: The agreement clarifies that any inventions made by the employee during their employment period belong to the employer. The employee assigns all rights, title, and interest in the inventions to the employer, ensuring that the employer has full ownership of the intellectual property. 3. Disclosure Obligations: The agreement mandates that the employee must promptly disclose any inventions or discoveries made during their employment to the employer. This disclosure requirement helps the employer identify potential innovations that may be of value to the business. 4. Duty to Cooperate: The employee agrees to cooperate fully with the employer in the protection, registration, and enforcement of any assigned inventions. This includes providing necessary documentation, executing necessary papers, and testifying in legal proceedings if required. 5. Compensation and Royalties: The agreement typically addresses the issue of compensation for the employee's inventions. It may specify that the employee will not receive any additional compensation beyond their regular salary, or it may outline a separate royalty or compensation structure if the invention generates significant revenue. 6. Confidentiality: Often, the agreement contains confidentiality provisions to protect trade secrets, proprietary information, and the employer's market advantage. It prohibits the employee from unauthorized disclosure of any confidential information related to the inventions or the employer's business operations. It's important to note that the exact terms and conditions of the Wisconsin Employee Invention Agreement may vary between employers, industries, and individual circumstances. Employers might customize this agreement to match their specific needs, taking into consideration factors like industry-specific regulations, the nature of the work, and the potential commercial value of inventions. Overall, the Wisconsin Employee Invention Agreement serves as a vital tool to protect the employer's intellectual property rights while providing clarity and assurance to the employee regarding ownership, compensation, and confidentiality surrounding their inventions.
