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staffy123 · Oct 28, 2010, 12:33 AM

I have created a computer program at home and made a copy and transferrerd it to a work computer. I work for the Air Force and now my management have seen my program they want it to be used at other bases. I have refused to allow them to do this and have refused to give the password for them to modify the code. Where do I stand as I am getting a lot of pressure about making the program available to them and I don't want to. The reason I am being reluctant is that they are not allowing me to apply to the scheme for the reward of ideas which they run.

joypulv · Oct 28, 2010, 04:08 AM

Not enough information, but it sounds like you are going to have a tough time. You waited until now to apply for the reward of the idea, why? What are the conditions of the reward? Are you enlisted in the AF or not? What is their reason for not considering it rewardable? Can you prove that you developed this, not just that you have the password, and when? And at home, outside of work time (if that is necessary)? How long has it been used at work, and by just you or others too?
You really need an attorney at this stage. Summarize events and dates of the past and keep a good paper trail from now on. But resisting might be more damaging to you in the long run than not. Perhaps put it in writing that you are releasing the password under protest. If you can find a contingency lawyer ASAP he or she can advise on that first.

ScottGem · Oct 28, 2010, 04:12 AM

First, your employer owns the computers you work on, so they can control any software installed on it. However, if you can prove that you developed the software on your own time, then you can claim ownership. So what you do is offer to license the software to your employer for a fee.

jeje409 · Jan 16, 2011, 02:55 AM

Maybe you should get a patent for the program you made? After all it was YOU that made the program,right? I know you said you're in the Air Force... but is there any way you could speak with a JAG officer about it? It's pretty tough to have your own Government/Military wanting to take something from you.

Here's a site that gives you the copyright laws: http://www.copyright.gov/title17/

This is the main site: http://www.copyright.gov/

This site is just for Computer/Software/Internet/Information Technology Law and Transactions and Intellectual Property Law and Protection:http://www.freibrun.com/services.htm You can also call them for a free initial telephone consultation.

Good Luck!

Fr_Chuck · Jan 16, 2011, 09:18 AM

Often a employee that makes work programs or other inventions will be considered doing it for that company, it is not uncommon for them to claim ownership.

Your big mistake first was putting a program without permission on a company computer, you can get into very serouis trouble, and if this was an Air Force Computer and you are under the government guidelines for computer usage, this can be the end of your career if they want to push the issue.

excon · Jan 16, 2011, 09:29 AM

Hello:

Some companies, who hire programmers, pay them a nice wage, supply them with computers and a very nice office, think the work they produce belongs to them...

What's up with that?

excon