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Hi, I'm John Rizvi, the patent professor. Here's a common question I get if a company requests that I develop a product for them, do I have intellectual property rights or does the company well generally the person that completes a patent application is the owner of the patent and is granted the rights that it secures? However, in the case of an inventor who creates a process or item, while employed by a company, there may be some discrepancy in who owns the patent rights. For example, inventions created under the scope of employment may be subject to assignment, or ownership by the company. While every situation is different. Here are some things to keep in mind. If your employer hired you to invent something or solve a problem, your invention or solution is likely to be considered the property of your employer is they paid you to produce the item in question. Companies may also accomplish this by an express agreement in writing that assigns the employer the patent rights to your inventions, although there is some gray area in this regard. inventions created on an inventor's own time, and using the inventor's own resources may not be subject to ownership by the company. However, there may be some causes for investigation. If your invention includes the use of any company trade secrets, or similar processes found in your job function. To find out more or if you're not sure about your exact situation, contact me the patent Professor.