Yes, but that's because they hired someone experienced, not because they hired someone who knew your plans and designs.

In my experience, CA employers are very careful about IP from former employers.

The "IP theft" cases that I'm (somewhat) aware of weren't "took stuff to new employer" but "started own biz using prev employer's stuff".

The real textbook case isn't the knowledge workers themselves, but salespeople joining competitors and taking their rolodex.

The same thing applies to consultants, who can parlay relationships their previous employers built up for them.

If rolodex is built on company's time and dime then it's company's IP. No need for non-compete in that case.

Reltionships are fair game. I don't think any corproation should be able to dictate whom I can and can not talk to. This is where their business interests end and my personal liberties begin.