Legal Question in Intellectual Property in Massachusetts

Re: Foxy suit

The answer may be found in the fine print of your agreement, the agreement must be read very carefully. You also need to know what has been assigned at the US PTO.

Barring any new information, it would appear that you and your co-inventor have whatever the "certain" rights were. You really need to discuss this with a patent attorney, especially if you plan to do anything with your new-found "rights". The answer to your question is part state law, and part Patent law, so be sure to get someone who understands both. If you are in the Southeast part of Massachusetts, I am a licensed Patent attorney. You can find other Patent Attorneys at the site: WWW.USPTO.GOV.

Good luck!

Re: Foxy suit

I think you have a strong claim for the reversion of the rights described in your contract.

Has the company been able to make (or show that it can make) some money with whatever is patented?

Did the company agree to pay you any royalties? What did they pay you in the first place to get the rights? Who actually obtained the patent, anyway, them or you two?

You ought probably to have a lawyer negotiate with that firm if you really want them to keep developing that market but want to be paid anew or something additional. If you want to just use the patented method (or whatever it is), you're in even better shape! It depends on what you want to do.

If there's any value / money in this, that is, if it matters, I suggest you contact and hire your own attorney in the field. (Don't just try to rely on free advice!)

Why is this called

"foxy suit?" -- Does that have something to do with what you invented?

Good luck.