This is an extensive form for execution by employees, where the employee agrees to keep various information used by the company confidential. The employee also agrees that various inventions and ideas developed by the employee related to the business of the company are deemed owned by the company. Such an agreement is especially important for technology companies.
It is a common practice for employers to require employees involved in research and development or other technical work to sign agreements assigning in advance to the employer their ownership interest in any inventions they create while employed.
The New Hampshire Confidential Information and Invention Assignment is a legal agreement or contract that aims to protect the intellectual property rights and confidential information of an employer. It is designed to ensure that any inventions, discoveries, or intellectual property created by employees or contractors during their course of employment or engagement are owned by the employer, and any confidential information or trade secrets are not shared or misused. This agreement is applicable in the state of New Hampshire and is commonly used by employers across various industries, including technology, research and development, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing. It provides a framework for the employer and employee to define the scope of confidential information and the ownership rights of any inventions or intellectual property that may arise during the course of employment or engagement. The New Hampshire Confidential Information and Invention Assignment typically includes several key elements. First, it defines what constitutes "confidential information" which may include trade secrets, customer lists, financial information, marketing strategies, proprietary software, or any other information that is not publicly available. The agreement specifies that the employee should not disclose, use, or exploit confidential information during or after their employment. Second, the agreement addresses the ownership of any inventions or intellectual property developed by the employee during their employment. It generally states that all inventions and intellectual property related to the employer's business shall be owned exclusively by the employer, and the employee assigns all rights to the employer. This ensures that the employer has the full rights to market, protect, and commercialize any inventions or intellectual property arising from the employment. Additionally, the New Hampshire Confidential Information and Invention Assignment may include provisions related to non-competition, non-solicitation, non-disparagement, and non-disclosure agreements. These clauses restrict the employee's ability to compete with the employer, solicit clients or employees, or disclose confidential information to third parties. It is important to note that there may be variations of the New Hampshire Confidential Information and Invention Assignment, as different employers may customize the agreement to suit their specific needs and industry requirements. Some employers may use a separate Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) to cover confidentiality aspects, while others may include non-compete or non-solicitation provisions within the same agreement. Overall, the New Hampshire Confidential Information and Invention Assignment is a crucial legal tool for employers to protect their intellectual property, trade secrets, and confidential information from unauthorized disclosure or use. It ensures that the employer retains ownership of any inventions or intellectual property, while also setting boundaries for employee behavior and protecting the employer from potential competition or misuse of confidential information.
