I always wonder about about the "difficult" employees who balk at signing the bog-standard silicon valley employment contract that the other 499/500 employees have signed. Are the contracts perfect? No. Are they designed to screw you? Probably Not. If (Big IF) you are working for a reputable company, and the contract looks reasonable, should anyone other than a principal (Senior VP and above) bother to negotiate their employment contract? No.
Every line-employee I've seen who has tried to negotiate, modify, or change the contract has just been told "That's the contract that you sign to work here."
Seriously though, the "All you create are belong to us" clause is pretty much a requirement for a company funded by the major VCs, who are clearly concerned about their IP going out the door.
Now, termination contracts - that's where you have a little leverage, particularly if the company doesn't want a stink and/or they think you have grounds for a lawsuit. That six week severance can quickly turn into eight, ten, or even twelve weeks if you know how to ask right.
Every line-employee I've seen who has tried to negotiate, modify, or change the contract has just been told "That's the contract that you sign to work here."
Seriously though, the "All you create are belong to us" clause is pretty much a requirement for a company funded by the major VCs, who are clearly concerned about their IP going out the door.
Now, termination contracts - that's where you have a little leverage, particularly if the company doesn't want a stink and/or they think you have grounds for a lawsuit. That six week severance can quickly turn into eight, ten, or even twelve weeks if you know how to ask right.