I can only comment on the software development view of this "work for hire" notion, but every company whohirea an engineer/programmer makes VERY sure to get an assignment of IP rights. There is a very heavy and long stading bias in the US courts which says that the actual creator/inventor is SOLE owner of any "work product". There are exceptions, but realyy not that many in the absense of a very clearly worded agreement. Depending on which state laws apply, there may also be a requirement for a "meeting of the minds", which apparently did not happen in this instance at least! The foregoing must be read as general comments based on my personal understanding of legal orinciples only since I am not qualified to give legal advice in this matter. Mike Waters