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IANAL

My understanding of this, even in states that aren't as protective of California, is that: 1. Companies aren't interested in your IP, unless it is very closely related to their core business 2. The burden of proof is on them 3. Courts are sympathetic with the individual over the company for this kind of thing

Because of these points, companies try to paint the picture like they own all things you do, as a deterrent, or so that you give them your ideas for free. In practice, their position is at best tenuous / hard to prove, and at worst simply invalid (e.g. in states like California).



This is not an endorsement of what Joel says but his take is the polar opposite to yours: https://www.joelonsoftware.com/2016/12/09/developers-side-pr...

Lawsuits are expensive and will probably kill your business or time to work on your business either way.




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