Employee inventions

We advise employers and employees on their rights and obligations regarding inventions made in the course of employment and assist both parties on how to maintain their rights and fulfil their obligations. The German Employee Inventions Act (ArbnErfG) governs complex obligations relating to notification, claiming rights and remuneration, which often lead to uncertainty and disputes in practice. We help you understand your position and defend it in the best possible way.

We support employers from the initial notification of an invention through to the final settlement. For example, we assist you with handling invention disclosures, deciding whether to claim rights to inventions, determining appropriate remuneration, and establishing efficient internal processes for invention management.

We assist employees, amongst other things, with the proper reporting of their inventions, the review of declarations of claim, the calculation and enforcement of remuneration claims, and with meeting deadlines and formal requirements.

In the event of disputes between employers and employees – whether concerning the classification of an invention as a service invention, the appropriateness of remuneration, or other matters relating to intellectual property laws – we advise both parties with our expertise and work towards constructive solutions.

Support for
employers

How we help employers

Our services for employers include:

Implementation of invention reporting processes

We advise you on setting up proper and practical procedures for your employees to report inventions.

Training of employees and managers

We train your staff and managers in the basics of employee invention law and raise awareness of inventions that must be reported.

Review of invention disclosures

We check incoming reports for completeness and compliance with formal requirements.

Assessment of protectability

We assess whether and how the invention disclosed is eligible for protection.

Advice on the decision to claim rights

We can help you decide whether to claim a service invention or release it to the inventor, taking all legal deadlines into account.

Preparing and conducting communication with inventors

We handle all communication with your employee inventors and, if you wish, can also conduct the communication directly on your behalf.

Calculation of appropriate inventor remuneration

We determine appropriate remuneration for employee inventors based on established valuation methods and legal requirements.

Negotiation and agreement of remuneration

We negotiate appropriate remuneration arrangements with employees or their representatives and document these.

Drafting of contracts and agreements

We assist you in drafting employment contracts, special agreements and company agreements to ensure that inventions within your organisation are managed in accordance with the law.”

Advice in the event of disputes

We advise you on disputes with employees, prepare for arbitration proceedings and support you in legal proceedings.

Support for
employees

How we help employees

Our services for employees include:

Initial consultation on rights and obligations

We provide comprehensive advice on your rights and obligations under the German Employee Inventions Act (ArbnErfG).

Assessment of the obligation to report

We will determine whether your invention is subject to mandatory reporting, whether it is an employee invention or an independent invention, and which deadlines apply to you.

Assistance with the notification of inventions

We will help you to report your invention to your employer in full and on time, and ensure that all legal requirements are met.

Review of employer declarations

We check your employer’s claims or release statements to determine whether they are correct, complete and comply with the statutory deadlines.

Calculation of inventor's remuneration

We calculate the remuneration to which you are entitled using established valuation methods.

Review of remuneration offers

We analyse your employer's remuneration offer, review the basis for its calculation and assess whether it is appropriate.

Support with negotiations

We support you in negotiations with your employer regarding fair remuneration and represent your interests during these discussions.

Enforcement of remuneration claims

We assist you in asserting and enforcing your claims for remuneration against your employer.

Advice on the commercialisation of released inventions

If your employer releases your invention, we will advise you on the best way to exploit it.

Advice and support in disputes

We advise you on disputes with your employer, prepare arbitration proceedings and support you in legal proceedings.

Contact

Let's talk about your innovations.

Do you have any questions about protecting your innovations? Contact us for a non-binding initial consultation. We will take the time to understand your situation and outline specific solutions for you.

Standort INNOVATION IP Hamburg Ballindamm 3

INNOVATION IP
Ballindamm 3
20095 Hamburg
Germany

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