OPEN DISCUSSION: How do we protect our Intellectual Property as an Employee?

As software developers, we are increasingly required to be creative and innovative. We continually push the boundaries, building everything from modern mobile apps to complex enterprise solutions that shape the digital future. This often calls for tapping into our creativity and possibly devising novel solutions.

However, this also necessitates the protection of our intellectual property (IP). For decades, developers have surrendered their rights to their creations to the companies they work for, accepting a "work-for-hire" status. Should we reconsider this approach?

In this discussion, we will challenge the concept of "work-for-hire." Are there viable alternatives for software developers, especially considering that the rise of AI could threaten our futures?