Have to fire an employee, trade secret protection?

Asked by goony22 (3

) May 8th, 2008

I have to fire an employee, and when they were hired unfortunately I didn’t know I could have them sign a legal document protecting trade secrets and information which could be used against me should they be hired by a competing company. Is there anything I can have them sign to protect myself before they leave? Thanks!

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3 Answers

You could try; but I doubt they would sign it. They would have no incentive, unless you wanted to give them some severance pay. Even then, the legality of that act would be questionable.

Basically, you snoozed and your gonna lose.

glial (3006

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I agree with glial. Best you can do is take it as a valuable lesson and make sure you start using non-disclosure agreements and/or work a clause in to the contract of employment for any future employees.

wildflower (11172

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