Services
Employee Inventions
Invention report and claiming
When an employee makes an invention, the German Act on Employees’ Inventions governs the rights of both sides. If the employee reports a service invention properly, it is deemed to have been claimed unless the employer releases it in writing within four months of receiving the report.
Compensation and how it is calculated
For a service invention that has been claimed, the employee is entitled to reasonable compensation. In practice it usually follows from the value of the invention and the share factor. I advise employers and employees alike – in particular on claims to compensation and how they are calculated.
Agreements with freelancers
The German Act on Employees’ Inventions does not apply to freelancers. Here I recommend clear contractual provisions on inventions – before the collaboration begins.