What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? VIRGINIA
Hello,
I have been working as a screen printer for almost 10 years, pretty much since I finished high school. My current employer made me sign a non compete when I began employment two years ago which was a first. It says that I can not work for a competing business for one year after termination within 100 miles to protect confidential client information and trade secret.
I recently began constructing a business plan to further my career in screen printing, since as a printer I can barely make a living wage these days. Without relocation, I can not go through with my business plan unless I quit and find another job for a year, which feels like a bad idea because I don't have the experience to find a non competing job that makes above the minimum wage. This non compete makes it impossible to practice my trade without suffering the costs of relocating so I essentially feel trapped.
My question is, since my business model is based off of selling only on the internet, if I strictly market outside of my 100 mile radius, and even refuse to sell to customers within the radius, in the event of a suit would I stand a chance? My business plan is pretty solid, and I'm confident that I could succeed so I have been seriously considering ignoring the contract, especially since I have no intention to compete with my current employer for clients, and I have not learned any trade secrets from them since I came to the job with all the experience needed. In fact, I brought information to increased productivity in the work place.
I have done a lot of research on the contract in the state of virginia, but can not find any info on this particular work around.
Thank you for your time.
Hello,
I have been working as a screen printer for almost 10 years, pretty much since I finished high school. My current employer made me sign a non compete when I began employment two years ago which was a first. It says that I can not work for a competing business for one year after termination within 100 miles to protect confidential client information and trade secret.
I recently began constructing a business plan to further my career in screen printing, since as a printer I can barely make a living wage these days. Without relocation, I can not go through with my business plan unless I quit and find another job for a year, which feels like a bad idea because I don't have the experience to find a non competing job that makes above the minimum wage. This non compete makes it impossible to practice my trade without suffering the costs of relocating so I essentially feel trapped.
My question is, since my business model is based off of selling only on the internet, if I strictly market outside of my 100 mile radius, and even refuse to sell to customers within the radius, in the event of a suit would I stand a chance? My business plan is pretty solid, and I'm confident that I could succeed so I have been seriously considering ignoring the contract, especially since I have no intention to compete with my current employer for clients, and I have not learned any trade secrets from them since I came to the job with all the experience needed. In fact, I brought information to increased productivity in the work place.
I have done a lot of research on the contract in the state of virginia, but can not find any info on this particular work around.
Thank you for your time.