Derek Evans used to work for a small computer firm that specializes in developing software for management tasks.

Derek Evans used to work for a small computer firm that specializes in developing software for

management tasks. Derek primarily contributed to designing an innovative software system for

customer services. This software system is essentially the “lifeblood” of the firm.

The small computer firm never asked Derek to sign an agreement that software designed

during his employment there becomes the company’s property. However, his new employer

did.

Derek is now working for a much larger computer firm. His job is in the customer service area,

and he spends most of his time on the telephone talking with customers having systems

problems.

This requires him to cross-reference large amounts of information. It now occurs to him that by

making a few minor alterations in the innovative software system he helped design at the small

computer firm, cross-referencing can be greatly simplified.

On Friday, Derek decides he will go in to work early next Monday morning to make the

adaptation. However, on Saturday evening, he attends a party with two of his old friends, you

and Horace Jones. Not having seen each other for some time, you talk about what you have

been doing recently.

Derek mentions his plan to adapt the software system on Monday. Horace asks, “Isn’t that

unethical? That system is actually the property of your previous employer.”

“But,” Derek replies, “I’m just trying to make my work more efficient. I’m not selling the system

to anyone or anything like that. It’s just for my use—and, after all, I did help design it. Besides,

it’s not exactly the same system–I’ve made a few changes.”

This leads to something that has you thinking about how to react.

o What do you suggest that Derek should do now?

o Do you have any responsibility to alert the smaller firm about Derek’s plans?

o What if you are friends with people who work at the smaller firm?