What are the experiences of those who switched to competition after Nike? I would very much like to move to a competing company, although I fear that the legal risks could be more serious than I think. I don't want to stay here anymore and non-compete narrows my options a lot.
7 replies (most recent on top)
NIKE absolutely can enforce and Wash. Co. has history of affirming. And, also @dye comment is correct, they are waiving many and dropping to 6 mos, etc. Unless you have very recent, top secret IP exposure, and signed non compete, it may not be an issue at all. But, if you resign and say you are moving to xyc competitor, be sure to be ready to clear your "desk", laptop, id badge, etc. same day. Be respectful and gracious on your way out...it's just good business practice.
I have a non-compete, those who have one the restriction usually lasts for 1 year. But I know of plenty of people who do "consulting" projects for competitors and are not formal employees, so the non-compete is really difficult to enforce unless your client comes out with the exact same tech or service as Nike. So people who do "consulting", their consultancy ends at the same time their non-compete is over and when they become formal employees of the competitor. Also some companies seen as competitors really aren't: North Face, REI, American Eagle, etc
Nike's non-compete IS enforceable because Nike pays for the time they don't want you working for someone else.
Most of the time people get an email from Nike Legal waiving the non-compete shortly after their last day.
also thought some people posted that you might not get your bonus if you leave to a competitor
Google up State of Oregon non-compete. (assuming you are in Oregon). If you signed one at Nike, more likely than not, its unenforceable. Oregon has very narrow parameters of where they are legal or enforceable for emoyees who are not highly compensated.
They are releasing almost all S bands and below from non compete enforcement and at the VP level it’s very rare with those who are getting enforcements held dropped to just 6 months instead of a year. Remember in some states they are not enforceable. Good luck.
Did you sign. Non compete? I’ve rarely seen them except for design and executives. Read through it and understand it thoroughly. If you think there is issue have lawyer review.