RE: What are a programmer's rights to what he writes?

["Schenck, Don" <Don.Schenck@xxxxxx>]

Nathan --

I am self-employed. I MAKE SURE up front via contract as to WHO owns WHAT.

It IS important.

Peace,

-- Don Schenck
www.SchenckTech.com


-----Original Message-----
From: Nathan M. Andelin [mailto:nathanma@haaga.com]
Sent: May 23, 2000 9:49 AM
To: MIDRANGE-L@midrange.com
Subject: What are a programmer's rights to what he writes?


Is it illegal for a programmer to use source code he was employed to write?
Is it unethical?  For example, should a programmer be able show some of his
past source code to a prospective future employer?

I feel this question is appropriate for the people on this list because it
affects so many of us.  In asking, however, I have two fears.  The first is
apathy - most of you have probably never needed to assert yourselves on this
issue.  Second, some of you may feel uncomfortable sharing your opinion in a
public forum.  For example, an employer who is highly dependent on a skilled
programmer may not want to risk offending his employee by asserting that the
employee should have no rights to his work.  On the other hand, an employee
may not want to offend an employer, or may feel uncomfortable saying he
ought to have rights even though the law does not support that view.
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