Employees’ rights regarding inventions are regulated by a special law in Germany. This law requires particular diligence on the part of the employer. Since October 2009, however, an employee’s invention automatically belongs to the employer if the latter does not release it explicitly. The employer futher has to apply for a patent or a utility model without delay. Nonobservance of the application obligation may result in claims for compensation on the part of the employee.

If the firm utilizes the invention, the employee is entitled to receive remuneration. Here, too, there are specific regulations and guidelines to follow.

With our advice and support we can help you avoid inadvertent mistakes that might otherwise lead to disputes.