[monocasa]

> He learned of the American interest in developing similar machines, and he was also aware of British laws against exporting the designs. He therefore memorized as much as he could and departed for New York in 1789.

Textile mills at the time were the modern day equivalent of semiconductor foundries. I dare you to try something like that today and see what happens to you.

[oh_sigh]

You're allowed to walk away from a job and retain the knowledge you learned in that job.

[monocasa]

Not when "he was also aware of British laws against exporting the designs".

And semiconductor technology is generally considered a national secret.

[vkou]

Not if what you know is a trade secret, that you have signed an NDA on.