Legal Question in Business Law in Wisconsin

Conflict of interest between my employer and my business

My employer purchased a product I produced at my place of business. Now he requires me to produce it for him while I am employed by him. Do I have the right to provide this manufactured product for other businesses and people of interest on my time and at my business establishment? Some of these other businesses are his competetors.


Asked on 11/13/06, 6:15 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Thomas Schober Schober Schober & Mitchell, S.C.

Re: Conflict of interest between my employer and my business

It would be helpful to know more about the nature of the "product." Is this product something of your own invention, or is it a take off of something made by others and protected by others' patents or copyrights? Generally, what you do on your own time is your own business, however, there are exceptions. If you are a shareholder, officer or director of your employer's company, you may have an obligation to turn over to your employer whatever opportunities you come across that are in the employer's line of business. Sometimes employers make employees sign something that essentially binds employees to such standards, as well. Given your situation, you may want to spend some time with an attorney, explaining the details about the product and seek such attorney's counsel. Good luck!

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Answered on 11/14/06, 9:37 am


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