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There's a ton of shitty legal advice in this subthread (NOT this first comment, which at the core "read your agreement" is pretty good advice). Ignore the peop
by paultopia 8y ago
There's a ton of shitty legal advice in this subthread (NOT this first comment, which at the core "read your agreement" is pretty good advice). Ignore the people downthread who are making specific assertions about what is and isn't enforceable in what state. Rather, follow the advice that sensible people always give in this situation:
!!!!!
If there is serious money at stake, or a reasonable prospect of serious money at stake for you, use some of that money to pay a lawyer admitted in your jurisdiction and familiar with the law on IP agreements and nocompetes to look at the agreement and advise you. It really won't cost all that much for a consultation and a bit of contract reading just to see where you stand. Then make a decision.
!!!!!
(Source: IAAL (law professor actually), though I don't currently practice and am almost certainly not admitted in your jurisdiction.)
- swat535 8y agoFully agree with this, as I pointed out down the thread. It would be foolish to think you can run a business without legal protection. That shouldn't prevent one from chasing their dreams though. I think OP's message paint a darker than necessary paint regarding this. (Source Currently doing this with a lawyer as a cofounder)
- ryandrake 8y agoYea I feel bad that ”tread carefully and read your legal agreement” turned out to be so controversial that it derailed an otherwise interesting Ask HN :(
- swingline-747 8y agoIANAL but I would ping WSGR, F&W, Orrick... and be sure first that they're not representing your current employer. Definitely build things on your own equipment, using different technologies, on your own time and nowhere near said company. In California, noncompetes are rarely enforceable... but again IANAL and do you own homework.