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Confidential Information And Invention Assignment Agreement Template for South Africa

A comprehensive legal agreement governed by South African law that establishes the terms and conditions for protecting an organization's confidential information and intellectual property. The document ensures that any inventions, innovations, or intellectual property created during the course of employment or engagement are properly assigned to the company, while also establishing strict confidentiality obligations. It incorporates requirements from South African intellectual property laws, labor laws, and data protection regulations, including the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), making it suitable for both employment and independent contractor relationships.

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What is a Confidential Information And Invention Assignment Agreement?

The Confidential Information And Invention Assignment Agreement is a crucial document for organizations operating in South Africa that need to protect their intellectual property and confidential information while ensuring compliance with local laws. It should be used when engaging employees, contractors, or consultants who will have access to sensitive information or may create intellectual property during their engagement. The agreement combines two essential elements: confidentiality provisions that protect the organization's proprietary information and invention assignment provisions that ensure any created intellectual property belongs to the company. This document is particularly important in the South African context, where it must balance the requirements of the Patents Act, Copyright Act, and Labour Relations Act while considering constitutional protections regarding freedom of trade. It's typically implemented at the start of an employment or contractual relationship and remains in effect even after the relationship ends.

What sections should be included in a Confidential Information And Invention Assignment Agreement?

1. Parties: Identification of the employer/company and the employee/contractor

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

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

4. Scope of Employment/Engagement: Details of the employee's role and responsibilities

5. Confidentiality Obligations: Comprehensive provisions regarding the protection and non-disclosure of confidential information

6. Assignment of Inventions: Provisions for the assignment of all work-related inventions to the company

7. Excluded Inventions: Clarification of which inventions are not covered by the assignment

8. Assistance and Compliance: Employee's obligations to assist with IP protection and documentation

9. Return of Company Property: Obligations regarding the return of confidential information and company materials

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

11. General Provisions: Standard clauses including governing law, jurisdiction, and entire agreement

What sections are optional to include in a Confidential Information And Invention Assignment Agreement?

1. Non-Competition: Restrictions on competitive activities - optional but common in senior positions, must be reasonable under SA law

2. Non-Solicitation: Restrictions on soliciting employees or customers - include for client-facing or senior roles

3. Third Party Information: Handling of confidential information belonging to third parties - include if relevant to role

4. Prior Inventions: Section for declaring pre-existing inventions - include for technical or creative roles

5. Use of Open Source Software: Provisions regarding use and disclosure of open source software - include for software development roles

6. Data Protection Compliance: Specific POPIA compliance provisions - include if role involves personal data processing

7. Moral Rights Waiver: Waiver of moral rights in copyrighted works - include for creative or content creation roles

What schedules should be included in a Confidential Information And Invention Assignment Agreement?

1. Schedule A - Prior Inventions: List of employee's pre-existing inventions excluded from assignment

2. Schedule B - Specific Confidential Information: Detailed list of specific types of confidential information covered

3. Schedule C - Assigned IP: List of specific intellectual property being assigned under the agreement

4. Appendix 1 - Acknowledgment Form: Form for employee to acknowledge receipt and understanding of obligations

5. Appendix 2 - Exit Certification: Form to be signed upon termination confirming compliance with obligations

Authors

Alex Denne

Head of Growth (Open Source Law) @ Ƶ | 3 x UCL-Certified in Contract Law & Drafting | 4+ Years Managing 1M+ Legal Documents

Jurisdiction

South Africa

Publisher

Ƶ

Cost

Free to use

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