HF 1737

as introduced - 84th Legislature (2005 - 2006) Posted on 12/15/2009 12:00am

A bill for an act
relating to employment; regulating employee invention
agreements; amending Minnesota Statutes 2004, section
181.78, by adding a subdivision.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 181.78, is
amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Forfeiture of employer rights. new text end

new text begin (a) This
subdivision applies to an invention or proposal by an employee
in which the employer has an enforceable interest by contract or
otherwise.
new text end

new text begin (b) An employer who has a right to develop or utilize an
invention or proposal must make a substantial investment in the
invention or proposal within ten years of the submission of the
invention or proposal or forfeit all rights and interests in the
invention or proposal to the employee.
new text end

new text begin (c) An employee who has acquired the rights and interests
of an employer under paragraph (b) may transfer that interest in
the invention or proposal to anyone.
new text end

new text begin (d) An employer must notify in writing an employee who
submits an invention or proposal to the employer of the
employee's right under this subdivision within ten days of the
submission. The employer must date and describe the proposal or
invention received by the employer and provide a copy to the
employee.
new text end