5 Steps To Make Sure You Won’t Be Sued For Your Side Project As A Software Dev
Have you ever heard horror stories of companies claiming an employee’s side-business is their intellectual property?
As a software dev, you have side-projects you are working on, and some are profitable, but things can go downhill into chaos, mistrust, and wasted energy if you’re not careful.
Here are the steps to make sure that won’t happen:
#1 Check your contract’s non-compete clause.
Usually, there will be instructions on what you can and cannot do. Here are typical entries:
- You are obligated to inform the employer of other work
- The work cannot be a direct competitor to the company
#2 Inform your employer.
Inform your boss about your side-business and also have it sent as an e-mail.
This is important because verbal agreements don’t hold up. In the future, if the company decides to sue, you’ll have the email for reference.
#3 Don’t work on the company laptop.
If the company provides you with a laptop, any work done on that machine is the company’s IP.
Make sure all the work done for your side business is on your personal laptop. You should not put any personal accounts/business on the company laptop as a general rule.
#4 Don’t work on side projects on company time.
If you go to the office, this is straightforward. Don’t work on side projects while in the office.
However, most software devs are remote now, so things get complicated. Generally, I stick with the 9–5 window, and I don’t work on my side projects during that time. You can move this around at your convenience.
#5 If you don’t find a consensus, better switch jobs.
If you informed your company, but they disagree with you working on the side, find a company that will.
If you are a software dev, there is a huge demand for your skills. You can start freelancing or negotiate rights to work on your business from the start.
Finally, I hope you’ll get a profitable side business.
All of this is unnecessary if your side business is booming, so let’s all work for that. Thank you!
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