If you've ever been a developer for a company (large or small - it could happen anywhere) and are frustrated because you have developed a technology that was claimed by the company, you're not alone. In fact, Cal Evans has issued a challenge to companies to modify their thinking.

Something has been bugging me for a while now. I’ve been a member of more IT companies than I care to remember. Outside of cube farms, one thing seems to remain constant throughout, a contract that was written in the 1800s. Most (not all) of the employment contracts I have been handed to sign have contained a clause that states something to the effect: While you are working for us, if you invent something we like, we can claim ownership of it.

His suggested solution? Companies need to "stop thinking wrong-headed" and immediately go and claim the technology as their own. A better idea for both the employee and business is more around a "right of refusal" on ideas developed. Cal gets a bit more specific than that in the post and challenges CEOs/managment of technology companies to adjust their processes to work this in.