Employee IP Assignment Agreement Template for Nigeria

The Employee IP Assignment Agreement is a crucial document for businesses operating in Nigeria that engage in creative, technical, or innovative work. This agreement is essential when companies hire employees who will be creating intellectual property as part of their employment duties. It ensures compliance with Nigerian intellectual property laws while protecting the company's interests in employee-created IP. The document should be implemented at the start of employment or when an employee transitions into a role involving IP creation. It covers various aspects including invention assignments, copyright transfers, confidentiality obligations, and assistance in IP protection, all within the framework of Nigerian law. The agreement is particularly important given Nigeria's growing technology and innovation sectors, and the need to clearly establish IP ownership in employment relationships.

1. Parties: Identification of the employer company and the employee, including their full legal names and addresses

2. Background: Context of the employment relationship and purpose of the agreement

3. Definitions: Detailed definitions of key terms including Intellectual Property Rights, Works, Inventions, and Confidential Information

4. Scope of Employment: Description of employee's role and responsibilities regarding creation of intellectual property

5. Assignment of Rights: Core provisions for complete assignment of all IP rights created during employment to the employer

6. Disclosure Obligations: Employee's obligations to promptly disclose all inventions and works created during employment

7. Assistance and Cooperation: Employee's duties to assist in protecting and enforcing IP rights, including documentation and registration

8. Confidentiality Obligations: Provisions regarding protection of confidential information and trade secrets

9. Moral Rights: Waiver or assignment of moral rights where permitted by law

10. Return of Materials: Obligations regarding return of company materials and intellectual property upon termination

11. Governing Law and Jurisdiction: Specification of Nigerian law as governing law and jurisdiction for disputes

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