Ohio IT non-compete

I accepted a position as a Help Desk/Support technician. I put in my 2 week notice and started work the Monday following my final day at the previous position. 1 week after starting at the new position, I was presented with a non-compete form. Naturally, I signed it in fear that if I did not I would be out of a job, and therefore unable to pay rent and other bills.

The position I’m looking to get into would be considered a systems administrator, for a company that does IT support for various businesses.

Here is the text of the non-compete portion of the contract I signed.
Employee further agrees that for a period of 18 months from the effective date of the termination of Employee's employment with employer (regardless of the reason for such termination). Employee will not in any manner, directly or indirectly, either 1: have any ownership interest (whether as proprietor, partner, member, stockholder or otherwise) in, or 2: be an officer, director, manager, general or managing partner, or hold a similar position in, or 3: act as agent, broker, or distributor for, or adviser or consultant to, or 4: be employed in any position with any business (regardless of the form in which conducted) which is engaged, or which he/she reasonably know is undertaking to become engaged, in the business of, or relating to, computer sales or any other services provided by the employer in any of the states in which employer actively engages in marketing and sales efforts. Employee agrees that employer is engaged in active marketing and sales in the above referenced geographic areas and that the restrictions contained in this paragraph are reasonable and necessary to prevent unfair use of employers business information by its competitors.

Employee agrees that nothing in this agreement shall be construed to modify the “at will” nature of the parties’ employment relationship.

1 answer  |  asked Sep 26, 2014 4:45 PM [EST]  |  applies to Ohio

Answers (1)

David Neel
You need to consult with an employment lawyer to map out a strategy. This is a tricky area of the law.

posted by David Neel  |  Dec 17, 2014 08:42 AM [EST]

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