Trade Secrets and Non-compete Agreements

We assist our corporate and individual clients in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating employment agreements, severance agreements, non-competition and non-solicitation agreements, and also litigating disputes arising out of these agreements.

Many employees believe it is easier to just sign a severance agreement and move on, but it is worthwhile to have an attorney review the agreement before signing it to fully understand what you are signing. Please speak with one of our attorneys before agreeing to terms in any employment agreement, so that we can help you be aware of risks and potential legal consequences. If you are considering leaving your current position or believe you may be terminated, contact us for advice on whether we can negotiate a severance package to smooth your transition.

The end of an employment relationship is often just the beginning of concerns about unfair competition, solicitation of customers or other employees, and protecting confidential information and trade secrets, such as customer lists, business methods, and other proprietary information. We regularly advise clients about these issues and litigate to protect our clients’ interests in court.

Trade Secrets and Non-compete Agreements Articles

Non-competition agreements in Ohio - What Professionals Need to Know Today, non-competition agreements, also known as non-competes, are everywhere, especially for professionals. These legal contracts seek to prevent professionals from starting a competing business or working for a competitor within a certain period of time and geographical area after leaving their current employer. Ohio, like many states, allows non... Read More

NLRB General Counsel Concludes Non-Competes Violate Section 7 Rights Non-competition agreements are under siege. Last year the Federal Trade Commission proposed a new regulation that largely bans non-competition agreements, legislation is pending in Congress that would do the same, and the General Counsel for the National Labor Relations Board today issued a Memorandum opinion concluding that non-compete agreements ... Read More

This One Reason Justifies the FTC Rule Banning Non-competes The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a proposed rule that will ban all noncompete agreements except those connected to the sale of a business. It has been the topic of much discussion, with experts weighing in on the fairness effectiveness of non-competes. Recently, I was quoted in a MarketWatch article about noncompetes, and I wanted to take ... Read More