I’m sorry but the title of this article is sort of a trap.
I am not going to advise you on how to get your Federal EIN number, or business license through your locality, or even advise you whether an LLC or Corporation is best for your new business model.
My goal is simple. My goal is that Virginia employees who want to leave their current employer, and start a business in the same field, do so without getting sued.
Yes, I will restate it. My goal is to help you – fine Virginia employee- not get sued.
You may wonder why or how you could get sued just by starting a new business. And if you do wonder this question either out-load or to yourself, allow me to explain. Your old employer could sue you for violating either a contractual agreement, or, for violating Virginia common law.
I love a good chart, and so I have created one for the occasion.
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Actions that could get you sued |
Actions that won’t get you sued |
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Starting your own business |
Eating lunch at your desk |
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Telling clients you are leaving |
Eating the extra office doughnut |
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Taking personal documents off your work computer or device |
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Using old business relationships to help start your new business |
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Asking a colleague to come with you |
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Quitting too soon |
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Going to work for a competitor |
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Starting a similar business in the industry |
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Texting a customer about your plans |
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Taking customer lists |
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Okay, so you may get my point by now. Very harmless, seemingly acceptable every day actions can lead to litigation.
Want to know what to do, and what not to do when starting your own company? Call a Virginia attorney that specializes in business torts, non-compete litigation, and she can explain in painful details all the do’s and don’ts.
And, I also recommend not eating the extra doughnut.