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Userl47851061
Participant
June 2, 2020
Answered

Intellectual Property via employer's Adobe License

  • June 2, 2020
  • 2 replies
  • 1601 views

I have been given an Adobe Creative Cloud Account/License by my employer and I am also allowed to use it for personal projects and occasional freelancing work.

 

I am wondering wether using the Adobe programs with this account, paid for by my employer, somehow means they have some form of intellectual property claim/rights on my personal work because it was made with this license? 

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer Nancy OShea

"I am wondering whether using the Adobe programs with this account, paid for by my employer, somehow means they [the employers] have some form of intellectual property claim/rights on my personal work because it was made with this license?"

 

I am neither an attorney nor giving you free legal advice.  But depending on who you work for and the terms of your employment contract, it could be more far-reaching than that.

 

To give a real example, when I worked at a major university,  I had to sign a contract giving them half interest in anything I created while I was employed there.  It had nothing to do with whose equipment/software I used either.  I could have written a cookbook at home during off-work hours with paper and pens I purchased myself, it didn't matter.  Technically, they owned half of it. 

 

Ask your human resources dept for copies of everything you have signed.  If you are unsure about anything, ask for clarification and/or consult a legal expert.

 

2 replies

Nancy OShea
Community Expert
Nancy OSheaCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
Community Expert
June 13, 2020

"I am wondering whether using the Adobe programs with this account, paid for by my employer, somehow means they [the employers] have some form of intellectual property claim/rights on my personal work because it was made with this license?"

 

I am neither an attorney nor giving you free legal advice.  But depending on who you work for and the terms of your employment contract, it could be more far-reaching than that.

 

To give a real example, when I worked at a major university,  I had to sign a contract giving them half interest in anything I created while I was employed there.  It had nothing to do with whose equipment/software I used either.  I could have written a cookbook at home during off-work hours with paper and pens I purchased myself, it didn't matter.  Technically, they owned half of it. 

 

Ask your human resources dept for copies of everything you have signed.  If you are unsure about anything, ask for clarification and/or consult a legal expert.

 

Nancy O'Shea— Product User & Community Expert
    U
    Userl47851061Author
    Participant
    June 17, 2020

    I'm shocked that an employer can tie you up to that extent, but I suppose this is what small print in a contract is for! Thanks for your help. 

    T
    Test Screen Name
    Legend
    June 2, 2020

    Are you asking whether Adobe have a claim, or whether your employer have a claim? (In all cases we cannot give legal advice; that's the law!)

      U
      Userl47851061Author
      Participant
      June 12, 2020

      I asking wether my employer has a claim. 

      T
      Test Screen Name
      Legend
      June 12, 2020

      Ok, it depends I suspect on the contract of employment, and where it is not written in the contract, on the laws of the country and any professional standards you are obliged to uphold. You NEED the advice of a lawyer or union. The internet is not the place to get free legal advice, it is not worth half of what it costs.

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