If I invent or patent a new product while serving in the military, does it belong in any way to the military or to me?
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If I invent or patent a new product while serving in the military, does it belong in any way to the military or to me?
Asked on April 1, 2012 under Business Law, Oregon
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
1) If it was something related to your job and/or you developed it in the course of your employment, it will belong to the military (e.g. if you are an armourer and you developed a better clip for a gun in use by the military).
2) If you used the military's facilities (e.g. a lab, workshop) to develop the idea.
3) If you have signed any agreements that the military owns any inventions you come up with, that agreement is enforceable.
Ignoring item 3), above (that is, assuming there is no such agreement) if you develop something off base or site, on your own time, not using military resources, and unrelated to your work, then you should own it; otherwise, the military would likely own the idea.
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