California law only seems different to other states.
In practice, it's much the same.
Engineers often misinterpret the provisions of the law.
" (1) Relate at the time of conception or reduction to practice of
the invention to the employer's business, or actual or demonstrably
anticipated research or development of the employer; or
(2) Result from any work performed by the employee for the
employer."
#1 is pretty vague, and it has been interpreted broadly by most courts.
Almost every engineer i've talked to think it means "unrelated to the work i'm doing for the employer" (which is really part #2 of the law).
However, it in fact says that not just "work related to stuff you are doing for your employer", but "work related to stuff your employer does at all or has said they will probably do in the future" can be owned by the employer, even in your spare time.
So if you work for a company that does a lot of things, you should not expect to own anything.
In practice, this is not very different from the laws of most states.
While I am a lawyer, this is not legal advice. Just trying to correct a misconception.
Engineers often misinterpret the provisions of the law.
" (1) Relate at the time of conception or reduction to practice of the invention to the employer's business, or actual or demonstrably anticipated research or development of the employer; or (2) Result from any work performed by the employee for the employer."
#1 is pretty vague, and it has been interpreted broadly by most courts. Almost every engineer i've talked to think it means "unrelated to the work i'm doing for the employer" (which is really part #2 of the law). However, it in fact says that not just "work related to stuff you are doing for your employer", but "work related to stuff your employer does at all or has said they will probably do in the future" can be owned by the employer, even in your spare time.
So if you work for a company that does a lot of things, you should not expect to own anything.
In practice, this is not very different from the laws of most states.
While I am a lawyer, this is not legal advice. Just trying to correct a misconception.