Given the IP paperwork that large firms force on small contractors, is it possible to work multiple contracts at the same time?

Question

Large companies often require that small contractors surrender all IP that they produce during the period of time that they perform work for the company, nominally restricted to work related to their contract, but with relatively loose terms.

Is it possible to perform contract coding work under such restrictions, for multiple companies in tandem? Is there an industry standard for approaching this problem (for example, are there standard types of contracts that address this problem which a small contractor could present and have accepted without much difficulty)?

Answer 1

It has been my experience that IP's typically related to the specific work you are doing for a firm. These IP's do pertain to anything you may learn or develop in regards to the firm creating the IP. You are not typically, however, bound from utilizing information or knowledge you held prior to signing the IP. Thus, if you know how to design software or you know specifically how to use CSS on a webpage, you may use that information for a second IP contract as long as it doesn't damage the initial company and also does not violate the specific IP details.