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How are the laws in CA/US for working on a side project?
We are a couple of hackers working on an idea (full time). Still in its fancy, we have friends who maybe able to help part time, but dont want to quit their jobs yet. They work in big companies like Goog and Apple.
1. Is it legal for us to take their help? What are the laws on this?
2. The part time work is technically unrelated. They work on server code at work, and this is for a mobile app. But i understand it is hard to draw line on saying things are unrelated, after all it is SW.
3. Has anyone done this before?
4. Is it just a bad idea?
- gharbad 15y agoIt is entirely based on their non-compete clauses in their employment contracts. If they are unsure if they are able to help on your project, have them ask HR to clarify it for them. I know some employers pay for _all_ of their employees time.. Others are a bit more reasonable, and only prevent working on competing products.
- avihackernews 15y agoThanks jpk & gharbad.
- jpk 15y agoI can't speak for Canada, but in the United States it's all in your employment agreement. I work as a contractor for a Fortune 500 company, and I have a project on the side. I made it clear to my contracting agency that I had a side project, and wouldn't take the position if there was a potential for conflicts as far as IP or product ownership. My agreement is pretty straight-forward. Work I do at my 9-5 belongs to the company, and work I do outside billable hours and not using company time or resources is all mine. I also have to watch what I do in relation to specs covered under NDAs, but for me those are very unrelated to the side project. Ultimately, my advice is to have a lawyer look over the employment agreements and any other things your friends have signed to ensure it's safe for them to pitch in. Good luck!
- angryasian 15y agojust do it, and don't worry about the laws. The companies only know what your release or tell them. If you ever get to the point of profitability or traction to raise, then at that time get a lawyer to help you figure it out. Until then just move forward.