Non-compete

I signed what is titled as "key employee agreement" with a non-compete clause stating I will not w/o company's consent engage in any employment, consulting or other business other than for the company, and I will not for a period of one year engage in or have an interst in.....research development or other activity relating to products or services similiar to those under research being developed produced provided or marketed by the company.

My company is a contract research organization for the pharmaceutical industry. I work in the educational services division where I produce conferences. I want to start a non-profit industry association. Can I do it while I am still working at this company if I do it on my own time? If I leave to do this will I be vulnerable?

1 answer  |  asked Dec 17, 2003 11:11 AM [EST]  |  applies to Pennsylvania

Answers (1)

Christopher Ezold
Depends on the Nature of the Association

Without reviewing your contract, no attorney can truly answer your questions.

However, based upon the limited information in your qeustion, the short answer to is that you probably can start your non-profit organization. It appears that your non-profit would not be considered a competitor.

However, you may not be able to start up this nonprofit organization without limiting your ability to provide all your working efforts to your employer.

To give you a thorough answer, I would need to discuss the full nature of your employment and the nature of the non-profit organization, review your contract and discuss the issues with you. If you are interested in discussing your question further, please call me at the below number.

/Christopher E. Ezold/
Nancy O'Mara Ezold, P.C.
401 City Line Avenue,
Suite 904
Bala Cywnyd, PA 19004
(610) 660-5585

posted by Christopher Ezold  |  Dec 17, 2003 11:28 AM [EST]

Answer This Question

Sign In to Answer this Question

Related Questions with Answers

Have an Employment Law question?