Non-Compete
I'm working at a big tech company in SV, and looking back at my offer i signed a non-compete, and it states business your involved in that are basically related to the work the company is doing hence non-compete, however can someone run a side-business in tech possibly a startup with intentions of generating income but have that startup completely different from what the 'big tech company' is involved in? I would ask a lawyer but i want to see if someone has gone through or is doing something like this. TC: 156K
Last I’ve heard, non-competes are basically void in California ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Not while one is employed.
It depends on the language of the non-compete you agreed to. Some companies don’t care, others are really strict. Check with your lawyer and get clearance from your employer’s legal department.
If in the offer it says “your” instead of “you’re” then you are good to do whatever you want ;) I think non competes are unenforceable in CA. Double check with attorney
They are only unenforceable after one stops working for the company and is no longer compensated for not competing. They are lawful while one is an employee.
Thanks for clarifying. So if it says in the offer that you cannot work for the competition within 1 year of quitting, can you still do it?
If the knowledge gained, tools used, etc at your primary company could be considered as used for your side business then I wouldn't recommend it. This includes taking some algorithm learned on the job and applying it to something completely different or talking to a coworker for advice while at work, etc. Otherwise, you should be ok so long as everything you do on the side is based on "general knowledge" that you didn't learn from your primary company and they also weren't the ones that "created the environment & culture" for you to discover it.