has anyone had any experiences signing these to get involved in tech startups? What should I be wary of?

7/1/2006 5:45:12 AM

I had to sign one but not for a tech startup.

7/1/2006 8:25:39 AM

i had to sign one for the company i worked with but they werent a tech start up

7/1/2006 9:15:42 AM

it's basically an agreement that you will not disclose company secrets/practices to any one else before or after your employment.

7/1/2006 10:23:59 AM

The other half is they don't want you to go to a competitor of theirs. I signed a really loose one once and hated every minute of it.

In their case they didn't want you to go to the local competition who was paying more after you knew the operation, weaknesses, and customer base.

7/1/2006 10:33:19 AM

the only big things to watch out for are:

clauses stipulating the company has rights to anything you produce while in their employ (meaning they can potentially claim right to things you develop on your own outside of work)

and

clauses disallowing you from working for or with the competition. If it's properly worded and written, most non-competes will not let you work directly for customers of the company you work for, or with direct competitors of that company. However, non-compete's almost never hold up in court, and rarely will a company pursue it anyway, so it shouldn't be a huge concern.

7/1/2006 1:44:21 PM