> Obviously, if I work as a developer making a stock trading app, I shouldn't be making a competing stock trading app after hours. A lot of siblings have point

> Obviously, if I work as a developer making a stock trading app, I shouldn't be making a competing stock trading app after hours. A lot of siblings have pointed out that this isn't the case (I'd agree), so it's maybe worth digging into why you (and likely many people) think this should be the case. My guess is it's to do with IP and trade-secrets, but that's clearly already covered by IP law and absolutely doesn't need extra provisions in employment contracts to protect company interests there. If I create a competing stock app, I need to be able to demonstrate novelty. If I can do that, I don't see an issue. My employer still has a lot of advantages in the market (first-to-market network effect, funding, etc.) so if I'm able to compete with them without stealing IP, I must have (tangible/intangible) assets unique to me as an individual to do so: my employment contract should not sign over those assets outside of my working hours. If I'm actively weakening my employer's product during my working hours to benefit my own that's easily a firing offence without the need for non-competes. What other reasons are there?