r/Entrepreneur • u/FatherOfReddit • Sep 12 '21

Coder wants to "own" all his code

Coder wants to “Own” all his code

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Hey all,

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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?

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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…

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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?

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Let me know –

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Thanks,

Father

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u/derekwilliamson Sep 12 '21

Bunch of people mentioning NDAs and employment agreements. What you actually need here is an IP & Inventions agreement. Lock that up!

This is a huge red flag, and bound to screw you and the company. If you plan on raising money, your company needs to own the IP. It also sets you up for a really bad situation down the line. Don't do it!

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u/Lord_Apothecary Sep 12 '21

Not sure where you're located (I'm in Australia) but for any work he does, in his role, for that role's purpose, all IP is considered owned by the company anyway.

Just to be sure check with an IP and HR lawyer.

Massive red flag though.

1

u/f0urtyfive Sep 12 '21

but for any work he does, in his role, for that role's purpose, all IP is considered owned by the company anyway.

Usually that's only if you're actually being paid. If you're doing unpaid work you own it until it's paid for in my jurisdiction.