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At my last job working for a small software company, I was able to get my boss to modify the employment contract such that a specific list of other projects (at

At my last job working for a small software company, I was able to get my boss to modify the employment contract such that a specific list of other projects (attached as an appendix to the contract) was excluded from the work product & IP ownership clauses. The idea was that if I wanted to work on a side project, I would clear it with him first, and then we would sign a quick amending agreement to the original contract which added the new side project to the list. Major caveats: I haven't ever tested this method in an actual legal dispute. Also, the negotiation involved a shouting match in a crowded bar. YMMV.

caseysoftware 10y ago
That's what I've always done. I've found that most employers have few issues with saying "these projects predate employment and we don't own or want them." In one case, I had a clause that said "anything that increases my recognition in [area of tech] is now owned by the company." It was almost too broad but I managed to stay well within the bounds and never have a "questionable" project.
webmaven 10y ago
> I haven't ever tested this method in an actual legal dispute. I have seen this method tested, and it works (modulo bad phrasing in the actual amendment).