Document background
The Prior Inventions Employment Agreement is essential when hiring employees who may have developed intellectual property or inventions before joining the company. This document, governed by South African law, serves to clearly document and protect both the employee's rights to their prior inventions and the employer's interests. It is particularly important in industries where intellectual property is valuable and innovation is common. The agreement helps prevent future disputes by clearly establishing ownership of pre-existing intellectual property, defining any licenses granted to the employer, and distinguishing between prior inventions and new developments that will occur during employment. It should be implemented at the start of employment and must comply with South African intellectual property laws, employment regulations, and competition law requirements.
