The Ethics of moving to Competitors in Vehicle Dynamics

[Benprotein]

I'm on the verge of signing a contract for an OEM in the Vehicle Dynamics field and my company wants me to sign a contract which forbids me from working with competitors within 12 months of leaving the company. Is this ethical? Would I be within my rights to challenge this? I would be interested in any comments.

 

[CoryPad]

Non-compete clauses are somewhat common in the auto industry (and others). Frequently they are ruled invalid by courts due to right to work and anti-competition statutes.

 

[MikeHalloran]

You should ask the lawyer who should be reviewing the contract you are considering.


Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[GregLocock]

They are unenforceable in most jurisdictions for mere engineers as you have a right to work. The exception is if they pay you for that time, aka gardening leave.


Of course they won't be expecting you to use any of the knowledge methods or memories from previous employers are they? Might as well hire newborn babies.



Cheers

Greg Locock


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