What is the name of your state? Tennessee
Hello fine people. I've enjoyed reading some of the responses here. Be especially kind as i'm fragile at the moment.
A little over a year ago I worked for a company for 3 months. I'd been in the same line of work for quite a few years. Upon accepting the job I signed what was presented as a "standard employment" agreement with all the usual show up on time, don't steal from us, look sharp at work stuff. Hidden in this document were 3 or 4 lines outlining a non-compete. I know what you're thinking, nothing is hidden unless it's invisible ink. Anyway, i signed it and shortly thereafter left to start my own company. I've even done business transactions with this same company since then. Recently, an opportunity came up to rep a line of equipment (abc) that both companies wanted. I was awarded the line and now the former company is making noise.
My questions are;
1. Do the courts look at the way a non-compete is presented, i.e. not clearly indentified as a non-compete?
2. Do the courts look at the amount of time spent on the job in considering the validity of a non-compete?
3. By doing business with this company for the past year, am I in a better position to get the non-compete tossed?
4. wouldn't this forum be better with a spell-ckeck?
Thanks and I look forward to comments.
Respectfully....
Hello fine people. I've enjoyed reading some of the responses here. Be especially kind as i'm fragile at the moment.
A little over a year ago I worked for a company for 3 months. I'd been in the same line of work for quite a few years. Upon accepting the job I signed what was presented as a "standard employment" agreement with all the usual show up on time, don't steal from us, look sharp at work stuff. Hidden in this document were 3 or 4 lines outlining a non-compete. I know what you're thinking, nothing is hidden unless it's invisible ink. Anyway, i signed it and shortly thereafter left to start my own company. I've even done business transactions with this same company since then. Recently, an opportunity came up to rep a line of equipment (abc) that both companies wanted. I was awarded the line and now the former company is making noise.
My questions are;
1. Do the courts look at the way a non-compete is presented, i.e. not clearly indentified as a non-compete?
2. Do the courts look at the amount of time spent on the job in considering the validity of a non-compete?
3. By doing business with this company for the past year, am I in a better position to get the non-compete tossed?
4. wouldn't this forum be better with a spell-ckeck?
Thanks and I look forward to comments.
Respectfully....