Thursday, July 15, 2010

Non-Compete Law Firm in Philadelphia Area


Our Law Firm Concentrates on Helping Employees With Non-Competition Agreements Governed by Pennsylvania Law

Here are some answers to some of the most common questions we are asked about non-compete agreements:

What is the Difference Between Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation?

Although commonly referred to as "non-compete agreements," these contracts typically contain 3 
separate covenants of none: "Confidentiality," "Non-Confidentiality" and "Non-Solicitation."  And each such covenant is treated differently under the law.

What Law is Used to Decide the Enforceability of My Non-Compete Agreement?

The majority non-compete agreement contains a "forum selection clause."  Therein will lie your answer.

Can the Company Enforce My Non-Compete Agreement if I am Fired?

Under Pennsylvania law, if you are let go for poor performance, your non-compete covenant is not enforceable.  Similarly, if you are laid off as part of a reduction in force, it will be difficult to enforce the non-compete.  However, your non-solicitation obligation will likely remain in full force and effect under these circumstances.

Are Non- Competition Agreements Enforceable in Pennsylvania?

Target New Customers, Not Old

Generally, Pennsylvania Courts do not enforce the non-competition component of such agreements if you are not interfering with your former employer's businessIf you solicit former customers, however, they will nearly always enforce the non-solicitation component of such agreements.

So, in other words, if you bare an "average" employee and merely join a company that competes with your former employer, courts will be very hesitant to force you to quit your new job.  However, if at your new job you solicit customers or clients that you serviced during your employment with your former employer, courts will generally enforce your non-compete agreement.

Nooks and Crannies = Trade Secret

NOTE:  If you posses trade secrets of your former employer, a Pennsylvania court will order you to stop working for its competitor even if you do not solicit any of its former customers

NOTE:  Arguing that your non-compete should be invalidated because it is for too long a duration or because it covers too broad of a geographic area, i.e. is "overly broad," will not work in Pennsylvania.

Avoiding the Solicitation of Your Old Clients or Customers is a MUST

If a Former Customer Asks Me to Handle its Business, am I in Violation of My Non-Solicitation Agreement in Pennsylvania?

In general terms, if you are bound by a non-solicitation provision, and nevertheless take business from your former employer, the Court will stop you by enforcing the non-solicitation component of your non-compete agreement.  The key to avoiding problems with a non-compete agreement is you avoid taking any business from your former employer.


When Did You Sign?
Does it Matter When I Signed the Non-Compete?

In Pennsylvania, non-competition agreements are enforceable if they are entered into when you start employment.  If you are required to sign a non-compete agreement months or years after you start employment, it will be enforceable only if the employer gives you "additional consideration," i.e. a raise, a bonus, a promotion, opportunity to participate in a stock option plan, etc. at the time that they have you execute the non-compete agreement.

Can I Negotiate My Non-Compete Agreement?

There are a lot of work arounds and negotiating tactics you can use to minimize the impact of a non-compete agreement.  However, once you have "stepped in it," it becomes harder to extricate the former employee for a non-compete dispute.  Therefore, it is better to consult with counsel first concerning the "dos and dont's" where non-competes are concerned before taking any major steps.

HERE ARE SOME OTHER ARTICLES YOU MAY FIND WORTHWHILE:

Are Non-Compete Agreements Enforceable in Pennsylvania?  How Can I Negotiate a Non-Compete?

Non-Compete Agreements and Trade Secret Litigation - The Fulcrum is Whether the Legitimate Business Interests of the Former Employer Are Detrimentally Affected by an Employee's Violation

Non-Compete Agreements - Legally Enforceable or Not, Negotiation is Often the Key

The Truth About Non-Competition Agreements That Your Employer Does Not Want You to Know - Mere Breach of Non-Compete Not Enough for Injunction

The Milkman Principle: Why Solicitation of Former Clients or Customers Will Always Get You in Hot Water in Pennsylvania if You Have a Non-Compete Agreement

Pennsylvania Employment Lawyers: How to Respond to Cease and Desist Letters Concerning Non-Compete Agreements

I am Being Offered Severance But Asked to Sign a Non-Compete in Pennsylvania - What Should I Do?  Pennsylvania Employment Attorneys Explain

Should I Sign a Severance or Separation Agreement Requiring Me to Consent to a Non-Competition Restriction?  Pennsylvania Employment Lawyers Discuss

What Fiduciary Duties do Employees Owe to Their Employers? Taking Your Employer's Confidential Information Before Resigning Violates an Employee's Duty of Loyalty

How Can I Contact My Old Clients and Customers Without Violating My Confidentiality, Non-Compete and Non-Solicitation Agreement?  Pennsylvania Non-Compete Lawyers

Trade Secret Clauses in Employment Agreements - Does My Employer Have Trade Secrets? Pennsylvania Non-Compete Lawyer

Confidentiality and Trade Secret Covenants in Employment Contracts are Always Valid, and Your Electronic Footprint Tells a Story

Insulation Corp. v. Brobston:  Is My Non-Compete Covenant Valid and Enforceable if I am Fired From My Job Under Pennsylvania Law?

Overly Broad Non-Compete Agreement in Pennsylvania?  Need an Attorney for Your Non-Compete Contract Dispute?

Kistler v. O'Brien:  I Signed My Non-Compete Agreement After I Started My Job - is it Enforceable Under Pennsylvania Law?

What State's Law Applies to My Employment Contract?  What is a Choice of Law Provision?

Non-Compete Agreements With Non-Solicitation Restrictions in Pennsylvania - Some Insight From Philadelphia Area Employment Lawyers

Recruiters and Non-Compete Agreements in Pennsylvania

IT Consultants, Personnel Recruiters and Non-Compete - Non- Solicitation Agreements in Pennsylvania

"Headhunters" and Non-Compete Agreements in Pennsylvania - Some Things to Keep in Mind

THE ESSENTIALS OF AN EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT CONTAINING VALID, ENFORCEABLE CONFIDENTIALITY, NON-COMPETITION AND NON-SOLICITATION CLAUSES IN PENNSYLVANIA


610-647-5027

Philadelphia Are Employment Attorneys Representing Employees

We are employment lawyers who represents employees in Pennsylvania. 

We typically represent employees who need an employment lawyer in Philadelphia County, Chester County, Delaware County, Bucks County, Berks County, Lancaster County and Montgomery County.

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If you are looking for an employment lawyer, and live in Ardmore, Ambler, Cheltenham, Ft. Washington, Lansdale, Paoli, Blue Bell, Germantown, Downingtown, Lionville, Collegeville, Phoenixville, Northeast Philadelphia, Oaks, Royersford, Springfield, Lower Providence, Malvern, Wayne, King of Prussia, Downingtown, Upper Gwynedd, Glenside, Doylestown, Radnor, Berwyn, Oaks, Wayne, Newtown Square, Exton, Center City Philadelphia, West Chester, Skippack, Langhorne, Haverford, Newtown Square, Nether Providence, Broomall, Drexel Hill, Reading or any of their surrounding towns, feel free to send us an e-mail via our Contact Form or give us a call at 610-647-5027.  We are always glad to spend some time with people via a free telephone consultation.