Innovation with legal certainty.
Employee inventions.
Strategic management, on the safe side, legally speaking
Technical innovations are usually made by your employees in development, research, or production. But how are they remunerated? And how can disputes be avoided before they arise? It is crucial for companies to create clear structures at an early stage. In this way you protect valuable intellectual property rights and avoid costly disputes. We can help you use the complex employee invention law strategically so that you stay on the safe side legally, and at the same time systematically promote the innovation potential of your company.
Why a clear process is so crucial
The German law on employee inventions (ArbnErfG) governs the handling of inventions that emerge in the context of an employee relationship. For companies, this means: Inventions must be reported, claimed formally, and remunerated appropriately. Errors in this process can result in legal disputes. We can work with you to develop a tailor-made inventor remuneration management system:
1. Structure
Development of internal company guidelines
We will work with you to develop practical guidelines on how inventions are recognized, reported, and documented within the company. This creates clarity for employees and minimizes the risk of formal errors. A defined process and clear financial incentives encourage employees to report inventions instead of letting them disappear into a drawer.
EXAMPLE
By introducing company-wide guidelines, internal processes for reporting inventions can be standardized and communicated more transparently.
2. Advice
Claiming inventions without unpredictable legal risks, and deadlines firmly under control
Employee invention reported? We can assist with claiming inventions in a legally compliant and timely manner, including the formal procedures. If desired, we will evaluate the report content and help you make an informed decision: Submit an intellectual property right application, or not. This allows you to retain control over innovation-related developments and safeguard strategically important protective positions.
EXAMPLE
Our structured advice enables companies to secure valuable patent applications that would otherwise be overlooked in day-to-day operations.
3. Assessment
Remuneration claims fair, but within limits
We will assess the value of the invention and develop with you a fair remuneration model that fits your company. We will take into account legal requirements as well as aspects specific to your industry here.
EXAMPLE
A newly developed remuneration system creates clarity and fairness regarding remuneration and at the same prevents disagreements between the company and its employees.
4. Amicable arrangement
Avoid conflicts before they arise
We will establish processes that clarify misunderstandings at an early stage and prevent conflicts from arising in the first place. If a dispute does arise, we will offer professional mediation with legal sensitivity.
EXAMPLE
An impending conflict between management and employees can be resolved amicably through clear communication and systematic in-house training.
Contact.
Protect your innovation potential
Structured handling of employee invention law is not a bureaucratic end in itself; it protects your investment in innovation, creates incentives for developers, and ensures that you retain control over valuable intellectual property rights. We will make sure that as an employer, you are always on the safe side.
Get in touch now and protect your innovations without any unpredictable legal risks.