Photo of Christopher C. “Rusty” Close

An experienced technology attorney, Rusty counsels companies on complex transactional and intellectual property matters. Clients turn to him for guidance on the protection, commercialization, acquisition, and disposition of intellectual property assets as well as for drafting and negotiating corporate, health care, and technology agreements.

In this episode of Hiring to Firing, hosts Tracey Diamond and Emily Schifter are joined by their Troutman Pepper Locke partners, Austin Padgett and Rusty Close, who host the No Infringement Intended podcast. Together, they explore the intersection of intellectual property (IP) and employment law through the lens of the movie The Social Network. They discuss works made for hire, the impact of the Defend Trade Secrets Act, and the challenges employers of all sizes face in protecting their innovations and the inventions their employees create on their behalf. Discover the critical lessons learned from real-life IP disputes, the importance of proper documentation, and best practices for protecting your company’s ideas.