Question
How can I isolate knowledge or parts of the digital intelligence (code) to prevent employees from running away with our codebase and starting their own companies?
I have four things in mind and would be happy for some feedback.
1. non-disclosure agreements - seem to me a rather short-term fix
2. cutting the codebase in two repositories to keep a few key parts "hidden"
3. if we ever become big enough it wouldn't be feasible to start anew;
4. brand might be the differentiator in other cases, though for some reasons, this won't apply here.
Feedback appreciated.
Answer
I think you can first sign a contract that keep your product confidential, and if he did not follow the contract, you can get a a sum of money for compensation(better be a lot, so he won't dare to steal the code). I suggest you get a lawyer for the paper works.
