1. How to prevent employee invention disputes?

The rules governing employee inventions set out in articles L. 611-7 et seq. of Code de la propriété intellectuelle are a matter of public policy, which means that they cannot be derogated from by contract, unless the contractual conditions are more favorable to the employee.

Consequently, the best way to limit disputes over employee inventions is :

• in the absence of internal or contractual rules more favorable to employees, in strict compliance with the law by the employer;

• implementing a policy of informing employees so that they are aware of the applicable rules and can comply with them.

This policy can also...