It’s not news that employees of a company must abide by the rules set forth in their employment contracts. However, it is important to note that when an employee breaches one or more of these contractual obligations, they may face serious consequences. The case of two former employees of a Florida provider of Autism treatment services is a prime example of this.
These two ex-employees violated their valid non-disclosure and non-competition agreements when they began competing with their former employer while still employed. As a result, a Florida circuit court judge ordered them to pay more than $5 million in damages and attorneys’ fees.
This case is a reminder to both current and former employees that they must take the terms of their employment agreements seriously. This is especially true when it comes to non-disclosure and non-competition agreements. These agreements are important tools for companies to protect their confidential data and trade secrets, and the penalties for violating them can be severe.
It’s also worth noting that non-disclosure and non-competition agreements are often enforceable even after employment has ended. This means that former employees must take extra care to ensure they do not engage in activities that would be in violation of these agreements. It is also important to note that these agreements may be limited in scope and only cover certain activities.
In order to protect their business interests, employers may also seek an injunction to prevent former employees from competing illegally. An injunction is a court order that requires a person to stop engaging in certain activities. Employers may also seek damages for any harm caused by a former employee’s actions.
When it comes to non-disclosure and non-competition agreements, employers must be sure to abide by the law. Some states have laws that limit the scope of these agreements or prohibit certain activities. Employers should also be sure to have legal counsel review any non-disclosure and non-competition agreements to ensure that they are enforceable.
Employees should also take the time to understand the terms of any non-disclosure or non-competition agreements they sign. While it may be tempting to ignore the rules, the consequences of violating these agreements can be severe. The case of the two former employees of the Florida provider of Autism treatment services is a reminder of this.
At the end of the day, the best way to protect yourself is to understand the terms of any employment agreements you enter into. This includes non-disclosure and non-competition agreements. Be sure to read them carefully and take extra care to not engage in activities that would be in violation of these agreements. Doing so could save you a lot of time and money in the long run.
