Employee Intellectual Property Agreement Template for Saudi Arabia

The Employee Intellectual Property Agreement is a crucial document for businesses operating in Saudi Arabia who wish to protect their intellectual property rights in relation to employee-created works, inventions, and innovations. This agreement is particularly important given Saudi Arabia's developing IP landscape and its unique legal framework that combines modern commercial law with Islamic Shariah principles. The document should be implemented at the start of employment relationships where employees may create, develop, or have access to intellectual property. It covers various forms of IP including patents, copyrights, trade secrets, and industrial designs, while ensuring compliance with Saudi Labor Law (Royal Decree No. M/51) and relevant IP regulations. The agreement is essential for companies investing in research, development, or creative work, and helps prevent future disputes over IP ownership.

1. Parties: Identification of the employer and employee, including full legal names and addresses

2. Background: Context of the agreement, employment relationship, and purpose of the IP provisions

3. Definitions: Detailed definitions of key terms including 'Intellectual Property', 'Works', 'Inventions', 'Confidential Information', and 'Company Materials'

4. Scope of Employment: Description of employee's role and responsibilities relating to potential IP creation

5. Assignment of Rights: Primary clause establishing company ownership of IP created during employment

6. Disclosure Obligations: Employee's obligations to disclose all innovations and creative works to the employer

7. Protection of Company IP: Employee's obligations regarding existing company IP and confidential information

8. Assistance and Documentation: Employee's duties to help secure and protect IP rights, including signing necessary documents

9. Moral Rights: Handling of moral rights under Saudi law, including any required waivers

10. Return of Materials: Obligations regarding return of company materials and IP upon employment termination

11. Post-Employment Obligations: Continuing obligations after employment ends

12. Governing Law and Jurisdiction: Specification of Saudi law as governing law and relevant jurisdiction