Does Drawing on Experience Infringe on Other's IP?

Daniel Paull asks: "I recently asked one of our developers to draw up a design for a specific component. After a few hours he returns telling me that he'd solved a very similar problem a previous place of employment and that they had developed a "neat" solution. The developer then became concerned that a ground-up re-implementation of these design patterns and principals may infringe on the other companies intellectual property or breach some copyright laws. This developer is talented and experienced - that's why we hired him. The question is, at what point does 'drawing on experience' cross the line and invade others IP?"

Comments

I'd tell you the answer,

[Transient0]

but i already solved this conundrum in a previous contracting gig and i'm pretty sure it would be an IP violation to re-post it here.

A neat way to solve that problem

[littleRedFriend]

If you hurry up you can still see how they solve this at dilbert's office.

Oooo opportunity!

[NanoGator]

Check out my new resume!

Objective:

To put my skills in [UNIDENTIFIED DUE TO NDA] to develop a new plan to [UNIDENTIFIED DUE TO NDA]. My experience is perfect for your application.

Job Experience:

3 Years at [UNIDENTIFIED DUE TO NDA]. My job was to [UNIDENTIFIED DUE TO NDA], [UNIDENTIFIED DUE TO NDA], and I also created a new system of [UNIDENTIFIED DUE TO NDA].

Job References:

[UNIDENTIFIED DUE TO NDA]
[UNIDENTIFIED DUE TO NDA]
[UNIDENTIFIED DUE TO NDA]

:)

Re:It doesn't.. in my book..

[Skirwan]

For me, drawing up on past experience is a total necessity because in the time I've been doing this, I *HAVE* seen it all.

And thus is answered the age-old question, &#145does God read Slashdot?&#146

--
Damn the Emperor!

Re:Standing on the Shoulders of Giants...

[plumby]

It wouldn't be possible to develop a program if each time you solved a problem, you had to implement the solution in an entirely novel way...


Someone should tell this to some of the developers at my place. We've got some of the most "novel" solutions to problems I've ever seen, unfortunately.

Re:Obvious answer

[Bouncings]

The answer is, at the point that your attorney tells you that it will. Seriously, this is a question for an attorney. You've clued into the fact that it's a legitimate legal question, so go ask a legal professional.

Defence: But Your Honor, the opinions on the Internet web site 'H T T P colon slash slash dot dog o r g slash' clearly state that my client is innocent. What more legal proof do you need?

Plaintiff: Objection. Many of these opinions were modded down as redundant, your honor.

Your Honor: Strike comments modded below three from the record! Case dismissed.