[bargl]

I think some candidates don't know what is IP for their current company and don't want to get in trouble discussing that. The other one sounded like he didn't fully understand it.

If you circle back and say something like, please bore me with the details it sounds interesting and they refuse that would be a deal breaker for me. It is in my mind a huge red flag.

[javajive]

I hadn't thought about IP at all. Thanks for bringing that up! I really appreciate the feedback.

[muzuq]

Keep in mind, if it's an IP issue they should be replying upfront with "I'm not sure I can discuss that, IP blah blah" not dodging the question.

If they are an honest candidate, at least.

[throwaway693383]

If they are a dishonest candidate they should be deflecting in this way too.

It shuts down the interviewer's chance to strong arm them, without the interviewer coming off as aggressive.

It also signals to the interviewer that the candidate is trustworthy, and isn't going to go off interviewing for other companies sharing their IP.