Florida companies frequently utilize employment contracts, especially with people in executive leadership positions, in order to protect their business interests. When those who have intimate knowledge of a business’ strategy, pricing and other sensitive information improperly use it, companies may need to take action.
A situation involving this type of action has been unfolding recently in Hillsborough County. It involves two men who worked at a security company. One was the Chief Operating Officer and one had been the company’s President. The company alleges that the two men unfairly used their positions and knowledge to gain new employment elsewhere. The allegations have given rise to a lawsuit claiming the men of breach of fiduciary duty and deceptive and unfair trade practices.
The problem reportedly centers around the mens’ actions when they quit their jobs at the first company coincidentally when their non-compete clauses terminated. Upon quitting, both men accepted new jobs at another company that had been involved in different contract situations in which the first company was part of. The employer alleges that damage to its business has been done.
Cases like the above can be very complicated and are rarely straightforward. Getting help from an experienced business attorney may provide companies with the level of assistance and knowledge that they need when they feel they have been wronged or when they suspect a contract’s terms have not been properly fulfilled.
Source: Tampa Bay Times, “Security firm that employed Orlando gunman goes to court in Hillsborough,” Anna M. Phillips, June 29, 2016
