Legal Question in Intellectual Property in New Jersey
Want to start a company
I worked for a company that tested doctors for residency certification. I want to start a company to help these doctors prep. This is what Kaplan trst prep does now. I want to make it available over the web. I never singed any documents related to non disclosure. Can I do this? I have never seen a full test, I am consulting established doctors and getting information on the test from books I purchased at a bookstore.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Want to start a company
Even without having signed any non-disclosure/confidentiality agreement, there are restrictions imposed by law on misappropriation of trade secrets. However, as long as you avoid using any information obtained in the course of your employment, your former employer would not have a cause of action against you.
Your issues do not end there, however, as it is likely a violation of copyright (owned by the rights-holders of the books that you have purchased) for you to publish their materials on your Web site. You should consult with an attorney regarding this issue.
Best wishes,
LDWG