Ask HN: Are side projects allowed at IBM?

7 points by jimmysdown 11y ago ↗ HN

I am starting the process of interviewing for a position at IBM, and was wondering what corp policy is about side projects. I have a website I'm building on my own time, and I would not like to have to give that up completely. I don't have any reason to believe the site would be in competition with any IBM business unit. Is there a company-wide policy on this, or is it on a per-case basis? Thanks for any input.

6 comments

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poooogles 11y ago ↗

Why not just ask them?

citruspi 11y ago ↗

Because the recruiters may not know and give him a bullshit answer or may intentionally misinform him.

For example, I worked at a company last year. During the application process I asked about working on my side projects and about contributing to open source projects. After I signed my offer my recruiter let me know that she had received a response from the legal team. The consensus was that I'd be able to, but my code would have to be reviewed before it was released to make sure it didn't conflict with my work. I was content with that arrangement since the NDA was pretty restrictive.

When I started working I contacted the legal team to ask about the process, and I was told that my recruiter was incorrect, I would not be able to work on side projects or contribute to other open source projects.

In retrospect, I wished I'd asked engineers who worked there, not Human Resources. It probably wouldn't have changed whether or not I applied, but it was incredibly disappointing to be told I could do something, just to be told I couldn't actually do it once I started working there.

arink 11y ago ↗

I no longer work there, but ~5 years ago you had to get approval per project. I went through the process once and it took over 2 months for them to say "Ok" to working on an open source game.

Depending on the content and nature of your website, I expect the likelihood of approval will vary from difficult to impossible.

Gelser 11y ago ↗

I recently left IBM. If it relates to your job yes, if IBM can use it then even better. IIRC if you don't open source it, IBM can claim ownership of it because you developed it in Company time (and possible on company machines). If you don't open source it or make it free, IBM might try sell it.

DanielHouston 11y ago ↗

I work at IBM. But my word isn't law

I believe the policy is that you declare all your side projects, which get reviewed and approved by lawyers and you're then able to do what you like with them. 100% of projects I've heard people submitting have been approved.

Otherwise, the party line is that IBM hold the IP. I've never seen this happen in practice though.

Obviously don't work on side projects on company time. If you did you might have more than IP problems to worry about!

gesman 11y ago ↗

I don't see why having a hobby outside of business hours needs to be approved. Be that stamp collecting or website making.