Confidential Information And Invention Assignment Agreement Template for Germany

The Confidential Information And Invention Assignment Agreement is essential for companies operating in Germany who need to protect their intellectual property and confidential information while ensuring compliance with German employment and invention laws. This document is typically used when onboarding new employees, contractors, or consultants who will have access to sensitive information or may develop inventions during their engagement. It addresses the specific requirements of German legislation, including the GeschGehG (Trade Secrets Act), ArbnErfG (Employee Inventions Act), and GDPR, while establishing clear frameworks for invention disclosure, compensation, and confidentiality obligations. The agreement is particularly crucial for technology companies, research institutions, and innovative businesses where intellectual property protection is fundamental to maintaining competitive advantage.

1. Parties: Identification of the contracting parties - typically employer/company and employee/contractor

2. Background: Context of the agreement and relationship between parties

3. Definitions: Detailed definitions including 'Confidential Information', 'Inventions', 'Intellectual Property Rights', and 'Trade Secrets'

4. Scope of Employment: Description of employee's role and general duties

5. Confidentiality Obligations: Core confidentiality provisions, including handling and protection of confidential information

6. Invention Assignment: Assignment of rights to inventions, including process for invention disclosure

7. Compensation for Inventions: Framework for compensating employee inventions as required by German law

8. Prior Inventions: Declaration and treatment of pre-existing inventions

9. Return of Materials: Obligations regarding return or destruction of confidential materials

10. Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation: Post-employment restrictions on competitive activities

11. Term and Termination: Duration of obligations and effects of agreement termination

12. Governing Law and Jurisdiction: Specification of German law application and jurisdiction

13. Severability: Standard severability clause (salvatorische Klausel)