Confidentiality and Non-solicitation Agreement

[J.DOE]

Recently I have been asked to sign a document stating that I will not disclose any trade secrets that my employer uses in it's business. I have also been asked to sign a document which states that if I am fired, laid-off, or quit the employ of this company, that I cannot work for any competitor, supplier or customer of the company for 12 months. I have been offered a cash figure as an "inducement" to sign.

What are my options ? The cash figure is much less than one month's income, and as I see it, I wouldn't be allowed to pursue my chosen field for 12 months. Does this type of agreement hold up in a court of law ?

I am employed in the Stete of Connecticut.

J. D.

 

[loku]

Non disclosure agreement

Nondisclosure and non compete ragreements such as the ones you refer to are valid and will be upheld in the courts if reasonable. That means that the prohibitions must be reasonable in that the period of time and the restrictions must not be excessive. Usually a 12 month restriction, and restricting you from working for a competitor, supplier or customer are considered reasonable.