Intellectual property rights (IPR) are crucial in employment relationships, ensuring both employers and employees understand the ownership and protection of intellectual assets.
In Bulgaria, IPR are governed by national laws and European Union regulations. Additionally, Bulgaria is a member of international treaties like the Berne and Paris Conventions, further strengthening IPR protection.
Employer Rights
- Computer Programs and Databases: Unless otherwise agreed in the employment contract, the employer owns the IPR to computer programs and databases created during employment.
- Other Works: While the author (employee) owns the IPR to other works created during employment, the employer has the exclusive right to use the work for their purposes without the author's permission or additional payment.
Understanding Work vs. Results
It's important to note that in an employment relationship, employees are paid for their work effort, not necessarily the specific results they produce.
Additional Payments While IPR in computer programs and databases generally do not entitle employees to additional payment, this can vary based on the terms of the employment contract. If the contract explicitly states that the employee owns the IPR and the employer benefits from its use, the employee may be entitled to additional compensation.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
We operate a free-to-view policy, asking only that you register in order to read all of our content. Please login or register to view the rest of this article.