re: Intellectual Property when leaving a job...

You're not understanding each parties interests.

1) Of course the non patent holding company wants to know what you guys are doing at your current company.

2) of course the patent holder is pissed, he knows the value of what he holds the patent for. He plans on it being his cash out.

3) of course he's a bitch for threatening you. You're a bigger bitch if you stay.

4) You are at the point where negotiations begin. "Hey, I just received this job offer from company X. I'm interested, it's a substantial step up with a sizeable bump in compensation." pause.... "What are you prepared to offer to keep me?"

5)????????

6) profit.