On 2017-01-13 05:19 PM, Adam Van Ymeren wrote: > On Fri, Jan 13, 2017 at 5:00 PM, Charles Cossé <[email protected]> wrote: >> I think you should refer to the paperwork you signed when you became >> employed there. Usually they say that they own everything you do on their >> time and you could get in legal trouble releasing if it's technically >> theirs. But see what others say ... >> -Charles >> >> On Fri, Jan 13, 2017 at 12:34 PM, Greg Farough <[email protected]> wrote: >>> >>> Hello, all, >>> >>> I'm writing with a somewhat specific question. I'm a non-developing >>> employee of a Missouri software company. In my spare time, I do develop, >>> though, and am about to release a program of substantial size as free >>> software. I'm concerned about my employer's finding out about this and >>> using it to gain "ownership" over the program, seeing as how I wrote it >>> while under their employ. Is there anything I can do to retain my >>> copyright so that I can release it as free software, or does my employer >>> have legal claim over my program? > > Read the terms of your employment, but to be really sure you should > consult a lawyer with experience in intellectual property. > >>> >>> I appreciate your attention and response, >>> Greg
I agree upon referring to the paperwork you signed. It sounds like you've developed this entirely in your spare time *outside of work*. If so, chances are - but not guaranteed - that the paperwork won't have laid claim to that, unless it's related to the work you do at that company. However, IANAL (I am not a lawyer). Please check over the paperwork and consult a lawyer if necessary. As Adam mentions, you should consult a lawyer (experienced with this) if you want to be really sure. Best, dmr
