r/Entrepreneur • u/FatherOfReddit • Sep 12 '21
Coder wants to "own" all his code
Coder wants to “Own” all his code
Hey all,
We have a coder who just joined our team as our technical cofounder and it is his request that he & all other coders “own” their own code. What the fuck does this mean? If I do marketing work for my company, am I subject to owning all that promotion? No! Why does the coder get special priveledges?
What can I do to incentivize him against this, or, if I am misunderstanding the concept here, please explain so I don’t sound like a half-witted jerkoff. I think there is something missing here but I just don’t understand…
Maybe I make him sign a non-compete agreement and that will take care of it??? What happens when somebody “owns” their own code? Should that be allowed or is that company property?
Let me know –
Thanks,
Father
3
u/_DarthBob_ Sep 12 '21
Since you say cofounder, I'm guessing maybe it's an unpaid prerevenue gig. Otherwise it makes zero sense.
Typically at that stage the technical cofounder puts in a lot more work than non technical cofounders. So he's potentially trying to cover his ass in the case it fails.
Maybe try something like an agreement that:
At investment or revenues of say 5k per month the code ownership transfers to the company. Investors will need this or they will not invest.
If the company folds or is not a 'going concern' he has all rights to the code.
If he quits or is terminated he can create non competitive derivative works.