There is incompetence in every profession. The problem with IT is that it is still so new (relatively) that we don't have all the bricks in our building. University doesn't always teach what is needed in the workplace. Our certs are slowly starting to be recognized, but they are easily scammed. For $2500 you can spend a week at boot camp coming out with a cert in a technology you couldn't spell a week before.
Before a company hires a lawyer a phone call is made to a friend who worked at the former law firm. The networks are so solid that if you graduated the same school, a few years before or after the partner, he will take your call even if he doesn't know you. Not official just two old friends talking. Same with doctors and engineers (old school). We don't have that in our profession.
We don't have a licensing body that will pull your license and not allow you to work if you have too many complaints filed against you. You need a license to practice medicine, architecture, plumbing, etc.
Think about this the next time you get on a plane; the software that controls the plane was written by a guy, just like you, who happened to get the job. He spent less time qualifying for that job than the pilot. I would feel safer if I knew that he passed a qualifying test.
You can only protest but, if you refuse to apply for the patent (or cooperate with the lawyers), you can be fired for cause. In most states this would prevent you from filing for unemployment insurance. If you get caught sabotaging the application you could get fired and you could face civil penalties. This may hurt you search for a new job.
My advice to you is "Don't do anything stupid." Make all of your statements in writing. Document EVERYTHING and keep copies outside the office. If you are strongly opposed, get your own lawyer to talk to BEFORE you do anything.
You can try to portray the work as common art but if they want to they will file anyway and hope for the best. Did you get any of the ideas or help from a public forum or a book? Make sure that all of this is disclosed (in writing) to the lawyers. If they don't include that as prior art then the patent may not hold up in court.
Slashdot Mirror
There is incompetence in every profession. The problem with IT is that it is still so new (relatively) that we don't have all the bricks in our building. University doesn't always teach what is needed in the workplace. Our certs are slowly starting to be recognized, but they are easily scammed. For $2500 you can spend a week at boot camp coming out with a cert in a technology you couldn't spell a week before.
Before a company hires a lawyer a phone call is made to a friend who worked at the former law firm. The networks are so solid that if you graduated the same school, a few years before or after the partner, he will take your call even if he doesn't know you. Not official just two old friends talking. Same with doctors and engineers (old school). We don't have that in our profession.
We don't have a licensing body that will pull your license and not allow you to work if you have too many complaints filed against you. You need a license to practice medicine, architecture, plumbing, etc.
Think about this the next time you get on a plane; the software that controls the plane was written by a guy, just like you, who happened to get the job. He spent less time qualifying for that job than the pilot. I would feel safer if I knew that he passed a qualifying test.
In the US:
You can only protest but, if you refuse to apply for the patent (or cooperate with the lawyers), you can be fired for cause. In most states this would prevent you from filing for unemployment insurance. If you get caught sabotaging the application you could get fired and you could face civil penalties. This may hurt you search for a new job.
My advice to you is "Don't do anything stupid." Make all of your statements in writing. Document EVERYTHING and keep copies outside the office. If you are strongly opposed, get your own lawyer to talk to BEFORE you do anything.
You can try to portray the work as common art but if they want to they will file anyway and hope for the best. Did you get any of the ideas or help from a public forum or a book? Make sure that all of this is disclosed (in writing) to the lawyers. If they don't include that as prior art then the patent may not hold up in court.
Good luck,