[pw0ncakes]

IANAL, but I think there's pretty strong precedent that the employer can't assume ownership over any non-proprietary information you learn (languages, design patterns) at work.

Of course, we live in a proto-fascist state where legal combat is often won by those with the most money, so it'd be dangerous to assume that past sane decisions will carry into the future.

[yters]

I don't think companies can own knowledge, mainly because it is physically impossible. Once they figure out how to remove knowledge from the mind, then maybe they can.