A work product agreement (WPA) is a legal document that outlines the ownership and confidentiality of any work product created by an employee during their employment. Work product refers to any intellectual property or tangible work that an employee creates while on the job. This can include anything from software code to marketing materials to written reports.
The purpose of a WPA is to ensure that the employer has clear ownership of any work product produced by their employees, and to protect the confidential nature of the work. This is particularly important in industries where proprietary information is key to success, such as technology and finance.
A typical WPA includes the following clauses:
Ownership: This clause specifies that all work product created by the employee during their employment is the property of the employer. It also ensures that the employee waives any rights they may have to the work product.
Confidentiality: This clause outlines the obligation of the employee to keep all work product confidential and not to disclose it to any third party without the employer`s permission.
Inventions: This clause requires the employee to disclose any inventions they create during their employment, and to assign ownership of those inventions to the employer.
Enforcement: This clause details the consequences of any breach of the agreement, including termination of employment and legal action.
Overall, a WPA is an important document that protects both the employer and the employee. It ensures that ownership of work product is clearly defined and that confidential information is kept confidential. If you are an employer or an employee in an industry where intellectual property is important, it is important to consult with a legal professional to draft a WPA that meets your specific needs.