New Hampshire Employment of Consultant or Consulting Agreement with Clauses as to Confidentiality, Covenants not to Compete, and Ownership of Inventions When hiring a consultant in New Hampshire, it is essential to have a well-drafted employment agreement that includes clauses related to confidentiality, covenants not to compete, and ownership of inventions. These safeguards protect the interests of both parties involved and ensure a smooth working relationship. Here, we will outline the different types of agreements in New Hampshire that cover these important clauses. 1. Standard Employment of Consultant Agreement: A standard employment of consultant agreement is a fundamental document that outlines the terms and conditions of the engagement between the hiring party and the consultant. This agreement typically includes specific clauses regarding confidentiality, covenants not to compete, and ownership of inventions. a. Confidentiality Clause: The confidentiality clause prohibits the consultant from disclosing any confidential or proprietary information they may come across during their engagement. This clause ensures that sensitive data, trade secrets, and other confidential information are kept secure and not shared with unauthorized parties. b. Covenants not to Compete: Covenants not to compete restrict the consultant from engaging in any activities that directly compete with the hiring party's business during the engagement and for a specified period after its termination. These clauses prevent the consultant from using the knowledge gained during the engagement to establish a competitive business or work for a competitor. c. Ownership of Inventions: The ownership of inventions clause clarifies that any intellectual property or inventions created by the consultant during the engagement belong to the hiring party. This ensures that the hiring party retains full rights to any innovative ideas or developments that arise from the consultant's work. 2. Independent Contractor Agreement: In some cases, consultants may be categorized as independent contractors rather than employees. The agreement structure differs slightly for independent contractors, but the clauses related to confidentiality, covenants not to compete, and ownership of inventions should still be included. a. Confidentiality Clause: An independent contractor agreement should include a confidentiality clause similar to the one mentioned above. It clearly outlines the obligations of the contractor to maintain the confidentiality of the hiring party's information and trade secrets. b. Covenants not to Compete: Covenants not to compete in an independent contractor agreement function in the same way as in the standard employment agreement. The consultant is restricted from engaging in any activities that directly compete with the hiring party's business during and after the engagement. c. Ownership of Inventions: The ownership of inventions clause in an independent contractor agreement ensures that any intellectual property or inventions developed during the engagement belong to the hiring party. This clause protects the hiring party's right to any innovative creations resulting from the contractor's work. In conclusion, New Hampshire employment of consultant or consulting agreements with clauses as to confidentiality, covenants not to compete, and ownership of inventions are crucial to safeguard the interests of both the hiring party and the consultant. Standard employment of consultant agreements and independent contractor agreements are two common types that cover these essential clauses. It is recommended to consult with legal professionals to tailor these agreements to specific circumstances and ensure compliance with local laws and regulations.