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No, the bus is owned by a third party contractor. That does not count as Google's workplace.

And the office could be rented. I think it is clear that Google expect people to check emails and do 'work stuff', it was mentioned several times.

If you worked on a personal project on a Google bus (on your own laptop, without using their wifi), would Google be able to claim ownership?

In California, Google's employment contract already covers that explicitly.

And they do claim ownership?

Yes. But the location or equipment aren't relevant.

cdibona has a good writeup here: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=1970191

They can often claim ownership of personal work you do at your own home. So yes.

Which is why I don't work for Google.

Incorrect. This used to be true back when Bauer was under contract. This is no longer the case. Google owns their own fleet and employs contracted drivers. The infrastructure is all in-house now.

The secure wifi network used by the employees to check email, do work, push code, etc. make it a satellite office on wheels. Ask anyone who works for Google.

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