You have a high-tech startup in California. You received a call informing you that the co-founder and Chief Technology Officer, plans to leave your company at the end of the month to join a concurrent startup. This guy has been instrumental in developing your company's proprietary technology and you fear that your competitor will have a competitive advantage.

(a) What advice would you give concerning (1) keeping that guy from leaving and (2) making sure that your technology is protected in case he leaves and joins a competitor?

(b) What other general advice do you have with respect to how to protect your company's technology? Please list a few options for intellectual property protection.