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

["Blair Steve (Central Services)" <sblair@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Is this not IPR Intellectual Property rights

Steve Blair

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Nathan M. Andelin [SMTP:nathanma@haaga.com]
> Sent: Tuesday, May 23, 2000 2:49 PM
> 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?
> 
> One of the people on this list express his opinion last week that it was
> both illegal and unethical.
> 
> My question is what rights do programmers have to their works?  And, in
> your
> opinion, what rights should a programmer have?
> 
> Actually, I was forced to defend myself not long ago in Federal court in a
> copyright case.  So, I gained some strong feelings about this issue - as
> well as a clearer understanding of the law.
> 
> 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.
> 
> If this is the case, I would still appreciate a private and confidential
> e-mail message to me.   nathanma@haaga.com
> 
> Thanks.
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
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