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I want to try selling something I've made but my employer may 'own' it (alien.top)

submitted 11 months ago by crediblezephyre@alien.top to c/entrepreneur@indiehackers.space

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Over the last few months, I've spent a fair amount of time building a tool that I'm reasonably certain I can sell (nothing novel, don't get too excited) and I would really like to try. I know there is a customer base and I know it's useful... because I built it to use myself. But I also plan to use it at work, that's half the reason I built it. In fact, most of the company templates are just mine that I brought with me when I was hired.

While 90% of the time I spent building it was in the evenings, on my 'own' time... perhaps 10% of it was 'company' time where I had free time and spent it building this tool.

I'm 90% certain that my employee contract states any 'inventions' created are owned by the company, which is pretty standard in my industry. So I have a few questions:

Does my employer own this tool? (I know you aren't lawyers, but maybe someone has insight?)
What is the risk of selling it anyway? What happens if I sell it and use it at work?
How do I find a clear path forward (without hiring a lawyer. This is practically hobby-tier, I don't want to take it that far)

Posting from alt account because I'm paranoid and want to retain anonymity JIC

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[–] breakingb0b@alien.top 1 points 11 months ago

Some awful advice here.

Read your employment contract. Look for an inventions or IP clause. It will clearly state their expectations if it’s in there.
You stated this solves a work problem, so it seems likely some work was done on company time - that likely makes it company property.
Check company policies regarding the subject, mature companies are likely to have a process in place.
Gather all the documents mentioned above and talk to a lawyer.