Over the past six months I've been developing a web app that I'm planning on beta testing very soon, and launching soon after. At the same time, as a means to make a living I've accepted a position with one of the big four consulting firms and am currently going through the on boarding process. The company is aware of the startup as it was something that was a part of my resume and also discussed during the interview process. While signing various documents and agreements as part of the on boarding process, I came across the following clause in the confidentiality agreement, which I have not yet signed, which is concerning to me.
" I agree to disclose and assign promptly, completely and in writing to the Firm any inventions, whether or not patentable, and including but not limited to, any innovations on processes, methodologies, software applications or products which I discover, conceive and/or develop, either individually or jointly with others, during the term of my employment with the Firm ("Inventions"). I understand that all inventions which I do hereby assign are and shall become the exclusive property of the Firm, whether or not patent applications are filed thereon, and I agree to treat such inventions as Firm proprietary and confidential information and to use such solely for the benefit of the Firm."
I understand that this is a standard agreement, but I certainly don't want to lose ownership of my work because I have to take a job to support myself. I understand that in California, this isn't technically enforceable, but this agreement adheres to New York State law, and I haven't been able to find anything discussing it. Has anyone dealt with a similar issue? What have you done to resolve this? Alternatively are there any technicalities that I fall back on should I find myself in a situation at some point where the company is claiming legal ownership of the web app?