TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
Subject:Re: Non-compete clause query From:"John P. Brinegar" <johnbri -at- PRIMENET -dot- COM> Date:Wed, 8 Oct 1997 07:57:21 -0700
One- and two-year non-compete agreements are fairly typical.
The problem with such agreements is just what competition is. I was a
witness in a trial that was about this. This case dragged on for over 6
years, causing considerable anxiety and lost work time to the friend I was
testifying for. Eventually, she won her countersuit and was awarded
$500,000.
I'd get a laywer to help me to be sure that a clear definition of
"competition" is written into the agreement.
>I am a technical writer working for a contracting AGENCY that has
>contract agreements with various large EMPLOYERS in our area. The AGENCY
>recently presented us (the employees of the agency) with a non-compete
>agreement. Anyone have any experience with this type of thing?
>
>We are being asked to agree not to compete _as_a_contractor_ for a
>period of two years from the time we are no longer working for the
>AGENCY. I understand the logic, but the part that bothers me is the
>two-year clause. Is this typical? Is it legal? I'd appreciate any
>feedback or experience (espcially on the legality aspect).
-----------------------------------
John P. Brinegar http://www.primenet.com/~johnbri/index.html
Consulting and development Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.A.
-Performance support systems (602) 278-7398
-Technical communications johnbri -at- primenet -dot- com or dad -at- vr2link -dot- com
-----------------------------------
TECHWR-L (Technical Communication) List Information: To send a message
to 2500+ readers, e-mail to TECHWR-L -at- LISTSERV -dot- OKSTATE -dot- EDU -dot- Send commands
to LISTSERV -at- LISTSERV -dot- OKSTATE -dot- EDU (e.g. HELP or SIGNOFF TECHWR-L).
Search the archives at http://www.documentation.com/ or search and
browse the archives at http://listserv.okstate.edu/archives/techwr-l.html
