Employee Intellectual Property Assignment Agreement Template for Nigeria

The Employee Intellectual Property Assignment Agreement is a crucial document for businesses operating in Nigeria that rely on innovation, creativity, or technological development. This agreement is typically executed at the start of employment or when an employee transitions into a role involving IP creation. It ensures that all intellectual property created during employment is properly assigned to the employer, protecting the company's investments in research, development, and creative work. The agreement complies with Nigerian intellectual property laws and employment regulations, covering various types of IP including patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets. It's particularly important in sectors where intellectual property is a key business asset, and helps prevent future disputes over IP ownership.

1. Parties: Identifies and defines the employer and employee entering into the agreement

2. Background: Explains the context of the agreement and the employment relationship

3. Definitions: Defines key terms used throughout the agreement, including types of intellectual property, confidential information, and other relevant terms

4. Scope of Employment: Outlines the employee's role and responsibilities that may result in creation of intellectual property

5. Assignment of Rights: Core section detailing the transfer of all intellectual property rights from employee to employer

6. Disclosure Obligations: Employee's obligations to disclose any inventions, works, or other intellectual property created during employment

7. Assistance and Cooperation: Employee's obligations to assist in securing and protecting IP rights, including signing additional documents

8. Pre-existing IP: Handling of any intellectual property the employee created before employment

9. Confidentiality Obligations: Requirements for maintaining confidentiality of employer's proprietary information

10. Duration and Survival: Term of the agreement and which provisions survive employment termination

11. Governing Law: Specifies Nigerian law as governing law and relevant jurisdiction

12. General Provisions: Standard contractual provisions including severability, entire agreement, and amendments