Legal Question in Employment Law in California

Company trade secrets

Hi:

I'm leaving my job as computer programmer for a property management company in Orange County, California to try to start up my own Internet based technology to provide services to the property management industry. I've in general (no actual design or details was given) discussed my idea with the company owners to ask them to partner up with me but we can't come up with an agreable deal.

The question is: Is it legally possible for my current employer to claim that this is their idea and trade secrets even though no formal design was documented and they don't have a clear idea of my plan. All I told them was a business to business (B2B) but I did not disclose (I don't even have a clear plan myself) any more details. I plan to come up with the detail plan after I've left the company.

Your help is greatly appreciated.


Asked on 4/24/00, 11:11 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Ken Koury Kenneth P. Koury, Esq.

Re: Company trade secrets

There are a number of isues here and you may want to consult with a lawyer in more detail. What you describe does not sound like it would qualify as a trade secret however there is some law that may, though probably wont, give them some possible ownership interest in your idea depending on what your job function was. Dont talk to them about it any more until you get some good legal advice. More detail is needed.

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Answered on 6/04/00, 3:32 am


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