Constructing & Defending
Non-Compete / Non Compete Agreements & Disputes
The economic downturn starting back about 2008 and lingering into 2016 has resulted in 1,000’s of layoffs and “involuntary terminations” of countless, formerly productive, employees. The enforceability of employee restrictive covenants is a major issue for both such former employees and business owners.
“Restrictive Covenants,” more commonly known as “non compete agreements” or “non disclosure agreements,” are designed to restrict the right of an employee to compete with their prior employer in a competing business, and almost always prohibits contact with prior clients, prior customers or any of the businesses’ prior business contacts. These restrictive covenants are often included as elements of employment agreements, compensation plans, stock options plans as well as “straight-up Non-Compete Agreements.” From the employee’s viewpoint, at the time of signing these various documents, the employee may not have fully thought-through future potential consequences that might arise following an involuntary termination or layoff. Once without a job and searching for new job opportunities, those who signed such covenants severely limit an employee’s right to accept a new job and earn a living.
On the other side of the equation, companies struggling to stay afloat in today’s economy, are trying to enforce restrictive covenants through inclusion in separation and severance agreements following termination.
It is complicated for both the employer and the former employee. Even where a restrictive covenant was not signed or is not in effect, a former employee may find future employment hampered by her or her responsibility to not reveal trade secrets of a former employer. But it gets more complicated! An individual person’s skills, skill sets, mental abilities, subjective business expertise obtained during the course of employment at ANY and ALL former employers cannot be said to be the property of the former employer(s), and therefore cannot be termed a legally protected trade secret.
Non Compete Litigation in Orange County
Orange County Business Lawyer, Debra Grimaila has successfully litigated and resolved the enforceability of employment restrictive covenants for former employees, assuring her clients that they have the ability to seek future employment in business sectors that they are well-trained to be a valuable employee. If you are currently weighing the signing of a post-employment restrictive covenant connected to a separation and severance package, it would be worth your time to have the documents reviewed. Typically we can convince your soon-to-be “former employer” to follow through on the severance remuneration and keep windows of opportunity open to you as you seek future employment.
For business owners, we have substantial experience in litigation involving unfair competition by former employees; especially when former employees are using your business customer list as their new sales call list. We can aggressively protect your companies’ interest when company assets, and proprietary information are being used for gain to your detriment.
Protecting Your Business in Orange County, CA
It is given that during the course of doing business, valuable trade secrets, client lists, private information and other proprietary data is bound to be shared with certain employees and independent contractors involved with your business. It is business-critical to have drafted what is called a “Covenant Not To Compete” signed by each employee and contractor before such information is shared. A “Covenant Not To Compete” is also called a NCA “Non-Competitiveness Agreement,” or a NDA “Non-Disclosure Agreement.” These are legally binding critically important documents to protect your business interests by forbidding the misuse or sharing of confidential company information, especially geared to protect your vital information from your business competitors.
Contact Business Attorney Debra Grimaila to have specifically-tailored Covenant Not To Compete documents prepared to protect your business.
Anxious? Need Legal Help? Call Attorney Grimaila Today…
Call and speak directly with attorney Debra Grimaila now at (844) 921-1937 When you call Orange County Business Lawyer, P.C., you will speak with Ms. Grimaila who will discuss your legal issues and help you evaluate what course of action to take. Our goal is to provide cost effective legal solutions for all of your business and real estate legal needs.
Orange County Business Lawyer, P.C. and its founder Debra Grimaila, Esq. is available to assist individuals and businesses with their business litigation, business transaction, real estate litigation, real estate transaction, debt collection needs in Orange County, California.
Cities Served: Aliso Viejo, Anaheim, Brea, Buena Park, Costa Mesa, Coto De Caza, Cypress, Dana Point, Fountain Valley, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, Irvine, La Habra, La Palma, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Lake Forest, Los Alamitos, Mission Viejo, Newport Beach, Orange, Placentia, Rancho Santa Margarita, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Santa Ana, Seal Beach, Stanton, Tustin, Villa Park, Westminster, Yorba Linda
Get your questions answered. Call Now for your Cost Effective Legal Solution at (844) 921-1937.
