I want to create a hobby project and release it under MIT. I work as a developer professionally and i have some clauses in my employment contract that gives any IP to my employer. My employer is open to amending these and/or adding exceptions for specific projects. Can anyone point to guidance resources on how to formulate such exceptions properly?

// EDIT: My contract is not totally strict, it refers to applicable laws and the wording is something like ‘knowledge gained through company activities belong to the company’, which is probably intentionally vague. Also: i like my job and employer and they are open to FOSS. My only concern is whether some higherups might disagree at a later point which is why i want to get the wording right. Will not spend money on a lawyer - it’s not that important to me. Thanks for sharing your experiences so far.

CC image ref.: https://thebluediamondgallery.com/legal/employment-contract.html

  • afk_strats@lemmy.worldEnglish
    14·
    2 days ago

    I have had similar work contracts.

    1. do not use ANY company resources. This could put you at risk of theft.
    2. do not do it on company time or make it look like it’s on company time. See point 2.
    3. you are liable for being fired if you break your work contract in most of the US.
    4. whether or not you actually own the IP you created is unfortunately subject to state laws (in the US)

    I want you to be successful. Don’t hurt your future career prospects