[billythemaniam]

It is extremely common among research universities where they try to own all your ideas. I remember a professor had a side business cleaning pools which had nothing to do with his research area. The university found out and wanted their cut. He gave it to them because it was better than being fired and sued.

These types of contracts are illegal in CA, but legal in many other states.

[caminante]

There has to be more nuance here, e.g. using university email/resources.