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From: jah@brunix.UUCP (Jim Hendler)
Newsgroups: net.ai
Subject: Re: Non-competition clauses
Message-ID: <7927@brunix.UUCP>
Date: Fri, 11-May-84 00:16:05 EDT
Article-I.D.: brunix.7927
Posted: Fri May 11 00:16:05 1984
Date-Received: Sun, 13-May-84 07:17:29 EDT
References: sri-arpa.417
Lines: 28

You should be aware that it is not necessarily the case that you MUST
sign the non-disclosure agreement exactly as worded.  I recently signed
on as consultant with a company which had a very stringent (and absolutely
ridiculous) nondisclosure/non-competition clause form.  I refused to sign
certain sections (mainly those limiting me from practicing AI, consulting

for others where there was no conflict of interest, etc.)  We eventually
eliminated those clauses, rewrote the contract and I signed willingly.

Similarly, another company I worked for was unwilling to change the document,
but, when I refused to sign away my rights, they pointed out that I got
to fill in a section with information about what things I already hadgoing for me. (that is, what things I had done previously so the company had no claim
on these things).  Since the company's contract included such things as
"no competing business" and the like, I was able to claim prior rights to
"artificial intelligence research", "natural language processing", and
"expert systems research."  The very vagueness of these things, according
to my legal advisor, makes it that much harder for the company to really do
anything.

A final note, most companies will clain they do do this "as red tape" and
will "not really hassle you."  Don't believe them!  They've got more bucks
then you and if it goes to court, EVEN IF YOU WIN, it will cost you more
than you can afford.  Speak to a lawyer, change contracts, etc.  In the AI
world we've got a seller's market.  Take advantage of it, these companies
want you, and will be willing to negotiate.

  Sorry if I do go on...
  Jim Hendler