Isoladamente, o termo "invenção anterior /prévia" soa como uma metáfora, uma vez que não se inventa nada, nem antes nem depois. A utilização do termo "invenção anterior/posterior" para um perfeito entendimento exigiria um complemento - ex.
invenção anterior/posterior ao computador, etc......

No caso em questão, o termo em questão "inventions" refere-se não somente a bens tangíveis", mas também aos intangíveis, conhecimentos, segredos de mercado, etc... IMHO.

PRIOR INVENTIONS. Any and all inventions, copyrightable works and other protectable intellectual property, including but not limited to any and all computer programs, trade secrets, inventions, concepts, discoveries, improvements, copyrightable materials, processes, manufacturing techniques, formulas, or know-how, whether or not patentable, trademarks, service marks, domain names or semiconductor mask works which Employee solely or jointly conceived, created, made, had made, discovered, authored, patented, recorded or registered, prior to the date of this Agreement shall be considered “Prior Inventions” and any and all inventions, copyrightable works and other protectable intellectual property which are not subject to the assignment obligations in Paragraph 3 of this Agreement shall be considered “Outside Inventions.”
www.innovativeemployeesolutions.com/files/pdf/SAIC_Intellec...