The Maryland Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement is a legal document that outlines the terms and conditions regarding the handling of confidential information, trade secrets, and the ownership of inventions developed by employees or contractors in Maryland. This agreement is crucial for businesses and organizations to protect their intellectual property and maintain competitive advantage in the market. The primary purpose of the Maryland Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement is to clearly define what information is considered proprietary and confidential. It establishes the obligations of the parties involved, typically employers and employees or contractors, towards safeguarding and using such information responsibly. The agreement usually includes provisions related to non-disclosure, non-compete, non-solicitation, and intellectual property ownership. Keywords: Maryland, Proprietary Information, Inventions Agreement, confidential information, trade secrets, intellectual property, employees, contractors, non-disclosure, non-compete, non-solicitation, ownership. While the specifics of a Maryland Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement may vary depending on the organization and industry, there are typically two types recognized: 1. Employee Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement: This agreement is between an employer and its employees. It covers the information and inventions that the employee may develop or come across during their employment. It ensures that the employee understands their responsibilities towards protecting the company's proprietary information and assigns ownership of any inventions or intellectual property created during their employment. 2. Contractor Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement: This agreement is between a company and an independent contractor or consultant. It ensures that contractors are bound by similar obligations as employees when it comes to confidential information, trade secrets, and inventions. It sets clear boundaries on the use and ownership of intellectual property developed while working on projects for the contracting company. Both types of agreements are designed to protect businesses from the unauthorized disclosure or use of their proprietary information. They establish a legal framework to promote trust, confidentiality, and the preservation of intellectual property rights in Maryland.