Can I Be Fired For Refusing To File a Patent?

Posted by kdawson on Saturday August 16, 2008 @08:02PM from the if-you-don't-cooperate-your-replacement-will dept.

An anonymous reader writes "I am a developer for a medium-sized private technology company getting ready for an IPO. My manager woke up one morning and decided to patent some stuff I did recently. The problem is, I'm strongly opposed to software patents, believing that they are stifling innovation and dragging the technology industry down (see all the frivolous lawsuits reported here on Slashdot!). Now, my concern is: what kind of consequences could I bring on myself for refusing to support the patent process? Has anybody been in a similar position and what was the outcome?"

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Responsibilty by WoollyMittens · 2008-08-16 20:32 · Score: 0, Flamebait

It's your managers responsibility, not yours. He can do whatever he wants with your idea, because he paid you for it. You might consider working for an employer that is less corrupt.