Morin's case clarifies that the time window for inventions to be covered by an invention assignment can extend to within how long after ending employment?

Morin's case clarifies that the time window for inventions to be covered by an invention assignment can extend to within how long after ending employment?

• A. Within six months.
• B. Within one year.
• C. Within two years.
• D. Within five years.

Answer: (B)

The concept being tested is the period after leaving a job during which an inventor’s creations can still be claimed by the employer through an invention assignment. Morin’s case clarifies that this post-employment window can extend to within one year after termination. In other words, if an invention is conceived or reduced to practice within one year after ending employment and relates to the company’s business or was developed with access to confidential information, it can still fall under the employer’s assignment rights. This one-year horizon strikes a balance between protecting the company’s IP and respecting the former employee’s post-employment freedom. Shorter windows, like six months, may not cover inventions conceived just after termination, while longer windows such as two or more years go beyond what Morin allows and can unduly constrain the employee.

The concept being tested is the period after leaving a job during which an inventor’s creations can still be claimed by the employer through an invention assignment. Morin’s case clarifies that this post-employment window can extend to within one year after termination. In other words, if an invention is conceived or reduced to practice within one year after ending employment and relates to the company’s business or was developed with access to confidential information, it can still fall under the employer’s assignment rights. This one-year horizon strikes a balance between protecting the company’s IP and respecting the former employee’s post-employment freedom. Shorter windows, like six months, may not cover inventions conceived just after termination, while longer windows such as two or more years go beyond what Morin allows and can unduly constrain the employee.