however, compare this to the hired-to-invent doctrine which is a state-law specific doctrine that may provide chain of title to the employer. in instances where there is no written agreement between employer and employee as to patent rights, the "hired to invent" doctrine may save an otherwise unprepared employer. of course, absent an assignment, employment agreement, or other written document, the employee presumptively owns any inventions, even those developed during the course of employment. this rule comes as a surprise to many business owners and even some attorneys. the "hired to invent" doctrine is embedded in contract law, so state law applies when adjudicating the "hired to invent" doctrine.