If inventions or ideas were created while employed at a company that uses the "standard" policy of having all inventions created by an employee assigned to the company, and the company has not patented the inventions or ideas:
What are my options on patenting the inventions or ideas?
Is there a minimum time required before the invention or idea is "free" from being patented by the company? When could I rightfully file for a patent (if I can file at all)?
The answer to your question depends strongly on the exact wording of your employment agreement, and therefore cannot be answered without access to this.
However, in most cases, assuming a "standard" agreement, if your invention is covered by the terms of your employment agreement, your company would retain a right to decide what actions to take, as an assignee in perpetuity of all rights to the invention. This could include filing a patent application, maintaining the invention as trade secret, "shelving", or altogether abandoning the invention; and in all cases you would have given up any right to pursue the invention. In summary, it is more likely than not that you do not have any right to file a patent application.
Bear in mind, though, that this is generic information. You should consult with an attorney to review your specific situation.
