# Who Owns the Invention? Employee vs. Contractor IP Rights

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-legal-podcast-network-6936259/who-owns-the-invention-employee-vs-contractor-ip-rights
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-legal-podcast-network-6936259/who-owns-the-invention-employee-vs-contractor-ip-rights.md
Podcast: [The Legal Podcast Network](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-legal-podcast-network-6936259)
Published: 2026-07-03T23:53:22+00:00
Episode link: https://thelegalpodcastnetwork.podbean.com/e/who-owns-the-invention-employee-vs-contractor-ip-rights/
Audio file: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/p5dyyifxf7y7dj6r/Randall_Bateman_EP_216b949.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-legal-podcast-network-6936259/episodes/who-owns-the-invention-employee-vs-contractor-ip-rights
Duration seconds: 1116

## Resource

In this episode of InFringe at Your Own Risk, hosts Rand Bateman, a seasoned patent attorney, and Sean O’Connor delve into the complexities of intellectual property ownership within companies. They explore the nuances of who owns an invention when it’s created by employees, independent contractors, or collaborators. Rand highlights the legal pitfalls small businesses face when they fail to clarify ownership rights, emphasizing the importance of clear agreements and understanding the implications of copyright and patent laws. The discussion includes real-world examples and legal precedents, such as the Community for Creative Nonviolence vs. Reid case, illustrating the consequences of not securing proper rights. Listeners will gain valuable insights into protecting their company’s innovations and avoiding costly disputes.

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## Transcript

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