Legal Question in Business Law in New York

Re: starting my own business and taking clients from the job i am now. Where do

The law recognizes that your employer has property rights in your customer lists, etc. This generally applies even if the business you plan to enter into involves a different product line.

While you work for an employer you can be prevented from taking (injunctive relief) customers and can be held personally responsible to pay damages to your employer for the revenue loss resulting from diverting customers from him to you.

After you terminate your employment, you can advise customers of your departure and seek their business and if they choose to give orders to you, that's OK.

The general rule is that you owe loyalty to your employer and while he is paying your salary you can't take his property rights. Once you leave the employment then there is competition.