In most instances, the employment contract will not state its expiration date. In such a case, the contract may be terminated at any time by either party. However, the contract may expressly state that it will last for a specified period of time such as a contract to work as a general manager for five years.
Ordinarily a contract of employment may be terminated in the same manner as any other contract. If it is to run for a definite period of time, the employer cannot terminate the contract at an earlier date without justification. If the employment contract does not have a definite duration, it is terminable at will. This is called employment at will. Under the employment at will doctrine, the employer has historically been allowed to terminate the contract at any time for any reason or for no reason.
A trade secret is a process, method, plan, formula or other information unique to a manufacturer, which has value due to the market advantage over competitors it produces. Use or disclosure of a trade secret by an employee, former employee, or anyone else may be prohibited by a court-ordered injunction. The owner of a trade secret may seek damages against such a person for revealing the secret. Also, when trade secrets are involved in a lawsuit, a "protective order" may be requested from the judge to prohibit revelation of a trade secret or a sealing of the record in the case where references to the trade secret are made. A trade secret is separate from and covered under different law from a patentable invention. Trade secrets include, among others, business assets such as financial data, customer lists, marketing strategies, and information and processes not known to the general public.
Washington General Form of Employment Agreement with Trade Secrets Protection is a legal document that outlines the terms and conditions of employment in the state of Washington, with a specific focus on protecting trade secrets. This agreement is designed to ensure the confidentiality and security of a company's proprietary information, while also providing a clear understanding of the employment relationship between the employer and the employee. Key provisions included in the Washington General Form of Employment Agreement with Trade Secrets Protection may include: 1. Confidentiality Clause: This clause prohibits the employee from disclosing or using any confidential information obtained during their employment. It outlines the types of information considered confidential, such as customer lists, business strategies, marketing plans, financial data, and any other proprietary information. 2. Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA): This agreement ensures that the employee understands their responsibilities in protecting the company's trade secrets and agrees not to share them with any unauthorized individuals or entities. It may also include guidelines for the return or destruction of confidential information upon termination of employment. 3. Non-Compete Clause: This provision restricts the employee's ability to work for or establish a similar business or work for a competitor within a certain geographic area and time frame after leaving their current employment. Specific details such as the scope, duration, and geographical limitations of the non-compete clause may be mentioned. 4. Non-Solicitation Clause: This clause prohibits the employee from actively soliciting the company's clients, employees, or business partners for personal gain or competing interests. It ensures that the employee will not try to lure away clients or employees after termination of employment. 5. Intellectual Property Ownership: This section outlines the employer's ownership rights to any inventions, patents, copyright materials, or other intellectual property created by the employee during their employment. It establishes that all such creations are the property of the employer and may include provisions for the assignment of any future intellectual property. In Washington, there may be variations or specific types of General Forms of Employment Agreement with Trade Secrets Protection, such as: 1. Washington General Form of Employment Agreement with Enhanced Trade Secrets Protection: This version may include additional provisions or stricter regulations to safeguard the company's trade secrets, beyond what is typically covered in a general form. 2. Washington General Form of Employment Agreement for Highly Sensitive Industries: This specific form may cater to industries where trade secret protection is of utmost importance, such as technology, pharmaceuticals, or research and development. It might entail additional confidentiality clauses or more robust non-compete and non-solicitation provisions. It is important for both employers and employees to thoroughly review and understand the Washington General Form of Employment Agreement with Trade Secrets Protection before signing, as it sets the foundation for a legal and mutually beneficial employment relationship while safeguarding the company's sensitive information and trade secrets.
