Although not every piece of information is confidential, having a written agreement will make it much easier to get a court order blocking a former employee from using key information for the benefit of a future employer. Courts will be unlikely to protect information available to anyone on a bulletin board or the Internet or discussed in elevators and other public places. Finally, as discussed above, your employment and independent contract relationships should specify ownership of work product. If your employees or independent contractors create patentable ideas or products, they should also agree to assist you in the application process, for no additional pay, even if that assistance is required after they have left your firm. Although your personnel or counsel may prepare the papers, you may need the inventor's signature during the process.
Proper protection is essential for every small business owner.
Remember to consult an attorney before entering into any formal contracts or agreements.