Legal Question in Business Law in Pennsylvania

Business competition - leaving one business to open one similar.

I have recently left my job as a gymnasticss coach due to negligence on the part of my boss (the owner of the gym). I don't feel the need to go into details about my leaving, but I would first like to say that I did not sign a non-compete agreement (or anything else) when I started working for her. I am now in the process of opening my own gymnasium, and I have let my old students know so they can switch schools if they so choose. My former boss is livid about this and has been harassing me by phone, telling me she's having petitions signed (for what purpose I don't know), among other things.

My question is this: is there anything she can actually do? I realize that leaving her gym and opening my own is just capitalism, but she's feeding me all kinds of lines.

I am young and opening my first business, I could really use and appreciate some advice.

Thank you in advance.


Asked on 3/27/05, 8:33 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Marc V. Taiani AAAL - Allegheny Attorneys At Law

Re: Business competition - leaving one business to open one similar.

Unless you signed another agreement of some sort previously no, you can start your own business and even make proposals to your former students. However, you do need to file with the state, obtain necessary insurance, and other variables. I recommend consulting with an attorney for additional advice.

Also if your former boss continuess this behavior you can press possible criminal charges against him / her.

My office also offers flat rate pricing and free consultations, for additional information please visit my firm's website at www.AlleghenyAttorneys.com or by calling my office at 412.731.0865.

Sincerely,

Marc V. Taiani, Esquire

AAAL - Allegheny Attorneys At Law

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Answered on 3/29/05, 11:44 am


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