Confidential Ideas and Independent Contractors: Trade Secret Ownership in the Age of the Hired Gun

Authors

Rob P. Saka

Abstract

Does an independent contractor or a party hiring the contractor own the new, confidential ideas that fall outside of what the contract or is hired to provide, but that arise during the course of that work? The issue of tradesecret ownership is important due to the growing use of contractors, particularly in the tech development industry. This note explores the emerging issue of trade secret ownership in the post- Great Recession era of increased reliance on contractor-inventors. In concluding that-absenta contrary written agreement- contractor- inventors are the rightful owners of their incidentally created trade secrets while assigned to a project, this note reviews the law, offers policy perspectives, and then sets forth contract terms that both sides could use in negotiations.

Recommended Citation

Rob P. Saka, Confidential Ideas and Independent Contractors: Trade Secret Ownership in the Age of the Hired Gun, 10 Hastings Bus. L.J. 245 (2014).
Available at: https://repository.uclawsf.edu/hastings_business_law_journal/vol10/iss1/7