Suppose that ward was an independent consultant for taser international, as well as for several other firms that developed products for police departments. would he have been subject to the same duties that full-time taser employees have with respect to their employer (the principal)? a. yes, because even if one is an independent contractor (consultant), one has the same duties to the employer that full-time employees have. b. probably not, although most of the duties agents owe to their principals could apply, such the duty to maintain confidentiality. c. yes, because independent contractors are not allowed to develop any new products based on their general knowledge of the industry.