Should employment contracts include IP clauses?
Yes because without clarity on ownership and other issues, confusion and conflict will arise. There is a risk that inconsistent and inappropriate employment conditions may be introduced. Employees sometimes believe they have rights in IP which they do not. Due to the complexity of this area it is beneficial to include an IP clause in the employment contract to avoid disappointment. Guidance on this is available from the document ‘The NHS as an Innovative Organisation’ .
