Legal Question in Intellectual Property in California

Ip

I currently work at a company designing underwater communications equiptment. I have an entirely new idea and would like to start my own business. Can I legally do that?

I have signed an ''Agreement for Non-Disclosure of Trade Secrets'' document as well as an ''Employee Invention and Secrecy'' document. However I have not worked on my ''invention'' on company time. Is there a cooling off period I have to go through before I introduce my knew company and product?


Asked on 12/01/08, 8:40 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Cathy Cowin Law Offices of Cathy Cowin

Re: Ip

I know this doesn't sound as helpful as you'd like, but the best answer is "it depends". If you really believe in your idea and want to do things right, have an attorney that understands IP (Intellectual Property) review the papers that you've signed and your ideas and formulate a strategy to launch your concept with the lease probability of a confrontation. Even if you're in the right, questions about your strategy can result in an expense that you should attempt to avoid. A little careful planning at this stage is definitely a great idea if you think you have a "great idea"! Good luck. It sounds like you're on the brink of an adventure!!

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Answered on 12/01/08, 8:54 pm


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