Articles Posted in Non-Compete Agreements

Published on: January 13, 2021

FORT LAUDERDALE NON-COMPETE AGREEMENTS: TRADE SECRETS AS A LEGITIMATE BUSINESS INTEREST

Preservation of a business’ trade secrets may constitute a legitimate business interest that justifies the enforcement of a non-compete agreement. However, it is vital that a business seeking to enforce the non-compete agreement sufficiently prove the existence of the trade secret. General statements that the business has such valuable information cannot act as a substitute for proof. Peter Mavrick is a Fort Lauderdale non-compete attorney, and also advocates for clients in Palm Beach, Boca Raton, and Miami, Florida. The Mavrick Law Firm represents clients in breach of contract litigation, trade secret litigation, non-compete agreement litigation, employment litigation, trademark litigation, and other legal disputes in federal and state courts and in arbitration.

An example of this occurred in the case of Gould & Lamb, LLC v. D’Alusio, 949 So. 2d 1212 (Fla. 2d DCA 2007). Gould & Lamb, LLC (Gould & Lamb) and John D’Alusio (D’Alusio) executed an employment agreement that contained a non-compete provision that prohibited D’Alusio from working for a competitor for a two-year period after termination of his employment. Gould & Lamb later terminated D’Alusio’s employment because they eliminated his position from the firm. After an intensive negotiation, Gould & Lamb and D’Alusio entered into a severance agreement. The severance agreement did not reference the earlier non-compete agreement, but instead referenced a different agreement that the parties entered. D’Alusio filed a lawsuit against Gould & Lamb, seeking a declaration that the severance agreement superceded the non-compete agreement. Gould & Lamb filed a counterclaim against D’Alusio to enforce the non-compete agreement.

Gould & Lamb requested that the court reform the severance agreement to incorporate the noncompete provisions of the earlier contract. Reformation is a legal doctrine that is applied to correct a defective writing to accurately reflect the true terms agreed to by the parties. Providence Square Assn v. Biancardi, 507 So. 2d 1366 (Fla. 1987). To allege a claim for reformation, a plaintiff must allege that: 1) there was a written agreement, 2) there was a defect in the writing due to mutual mistake, fraud or misrepresentation, and 3) proof by clear and convincing evidence. Providence Square Assn v. Biancardi, supra. The trial court found there was no mistake of fact or inequitable conduct by D’Alusio that would support reformation of the severance agreement. The trial court concluded that the noncompete agreement did not survive.

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Published on: December 5, 2020

FORT LAUDERDALE NON-COMPETE AGREEMENTS: DELAWARE CHOICE OF LAW PROVISION IN FLORIDA CONTRACT

By Mavrick Law Firm

Noncompete agreements sometimes designate the laws of other states to govern the parties’ contractual obligations, even if the agreement is made in Florida. This is known as a choice of law provision. When these choice-of-law provisions are valid and enforceable, they can have significant repercussions on the results of noncompete litigation. Peter Mavrick is a Fort Lauderdale non-compete attorney, and also advocates for clients in Palm Beach, Boca Raton, and Miami, Florida. The Mavrick Law Firm represents clients in breach of contract litigation, trade secret litigation, non-compete agreement litigation, employment litigation, trademark litigation, and other legal disputes in federal and state courts and in arbitration.

Many corporations and limited liability companies throughout the United States are incorporated or organized under Delaware law, even though they may have no particular connection to Delaware. This is because there are several benefits that medium to large sized business can enjoy from Delaware incorporation. For example, intra-corporate disputes for Delaware corporations are adjudicated by the Delaware Court of Chancery which is a judicial body designed to quickly and effectively resolve such matters without a jury. Because of the attractiveness of Delaware incorporation, many corporations will often choose Delaware as a choice of law in their contracts. As a result, Florida courts will often adjudicate disputes under Delaware law.

When applying foreign law in Florida, courts “maintains the traditional distinction between substantive and procedural matters.” Siegel v. Novak, 920 So. 2d 89 (Fla. 4th DCA 2006). “Generally, when confronted by a choice of law problem, a court will apply foreign law when it deals with the substance of the case and will apply the forum’s law to matters of procedure.” Siegel v. Novak, 920 So. 2d 89 (Fla. 4th DCA 2006). This can be a critical issue when employers seek injunctions in non-compete matters. Florida courts will apply Florida law as it relates to the procedural issues, such as whether a temporary injunction should be issued, and foreign choice of law for the substantive law questions associated with that analysis, such as the element of whether there is a likelihood of success on the merits.

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Published on: December 3, 2020

FORT LAUDERDALE NON-COMPETE AGREEMENTS: COMPILATIONS MAY QUALIFY AS A TRADE SECRET

By Mavrick Law Firm

Florida employers who seek to protect their client lists from misappropriation by former employees will often need to show that the client list was a trade secret. This is important even when the former employee is subject to a non-compete agreement. This is because non-compete agreements cannot be enforced without a “legitimate business interest,” and the existence of a trade secret qualifies as a “legitimate business interest.” Peter Mavrick is a Fort Lauderdale non-compete attorney, and also advocates for clients in Palm Beach, Boca Raton, and Miami, Florida. The Mavrick Law Firm represents clients in breach of contract litigation, trade secret litigation, non-compete agreement litigation, employment litigation, trademark litigation, and other legal disputes in federal and state courts and in arbitration.

A non-compete agreement cannot be enforced without a court finding that the agreement is supported by a “legitimate business interest” in the non-compete agreement. Importantly, the existence of a trade secret can qualify as a legitimate business interest pursuant to Florida’s noncompete law. Trade secrets are specifically delineated as legitimate business interests in Section 542.335(1)(b)(1), Florida Statutes.

The term “trade secret” is often associated with secret formulas like the ingredients of Coca-Cola or WD-40. However, nearly any type of information can qualify as a trade secret as long as it qualifies as one under either the Florida Uniform Trade Secrets Act (FUTSA) or the federal Defend Trade Secrets Act (DTSA). Particularly, FUTSA defines trade secrets as:

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Published on: November 22, 2020

FORT LAUDERDALE NON-COMPETE AGREEMENTS: EMPLOYEE’S PERSONAL CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS MAY NOT EXCUSE SOLICITATION

By Mavrick Law Firm

Companies often hire experienced sales and business development professionals to expand their business. A non-solicitation provision in an employment contract is intended to prevent post-termination solicitation of clients with whom the business has substantial relationships. When an employee brings clients to a company, it is important to distinguish whether the employee had a prior business or personal relationship with the client, and whether it is part of the employee’s job to develop and maintain client relationships. Peter Mavrick is a Fort Lauderdale non-compete attorney, and also advocates for clients in Palm Beach, Boca Raton, and Miami, Florida. The Mavrick Law Firm represents clients in breach of contract litigation, trade secret litigation, non-compete agreement litigation, employment litigation, trademark litigation, and other legal disputes in federal and state courts and in arbitration.

In the case of Hilb Rogal & Hobbs of Florida, Inc. v. Grimmel, 48 So. 3d 957 (Fla. 4th DCA 2010), Hilb Rogal & Hobbs of Florida, Inc. (HRH) was an insurance broker who hired Mark Grimmel (Grimmel) as a producer to service its existing customers and to generate new customers. Grimmel signed an employment agreement with HRH, which included a non-piracy clause that prohibited Grimmel from soliciting HRH’s customers following termination of his employment. Four years after Grimmel resigned to operate his own competing insurance brokerage firm, Egis Insurance Advisors (Egis).

HRH filed a lawsuit for injunctive relief and damages against Grimmel and Egis. HRH alleged that Grimmel violated the non-piracy covenant in his employment agreement with HRH by misappropriating business from HRH to Egis. HRH also filed an emergency motion for a temporary injunction, requesting that the court prohibit Grimmel from soliciting, accepting business from, and continuing to do business with HRH’s customers. Also, HRH sought to enjoin Grimmel from using confidential or trade secret information. HRH obtained an ex-parte order (made without the other party’s awareness) granting a temporary injunction against Grimmel and posted a bond. Grimmel moved to dissolve the injunction and a hearing was held before a magistrate. The magistrate issued a Report and Recommendation proposing that the temporary injunction be dissolved. HRH filed its exceptions to the general magistrate’s report and requested a hearing. The trial court held a hearing and entered an order denying HRH’s exceptions, granting the motion to dissolve the temporary injunction, and ratifying and approving the general magistrate’s Report and Recommendation. HRH immediately appealed.

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Published on: November 14, 2020

MIAMI BUSINESS LITIGATION: COURTS INTERPRET CONTRACTS TO AVOID ABSURD RESULTS

By Mavrick Law Firm

When the wording of a contractual provision is confusing or ambiguous, courts must interpret the contract in a rational manner. Some examples of vague contractual provisions include, “during business hours” and time frames with no clear anchor date, i.e. “within six months of commencement.” The courts generally agree that where one interpretation of a contract would be absurd and another would be consistent with reason and probability, the contract should be interpreted in the rational manner. American Med. Int’l, Inc. v. Scheller, 462 So.2d 1 (Fla. 4th DCA 1984). Peter Mavrick is a Miami business litigation lawyer, and also represents clients in business litigation in Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, and Palm Beach. The Mavrick Law Firm represents clients in breach of contract litigation, trade secret litigation, trademark infringement litigation, employment litigation, and other legal disputes in federal and state courts and in arbitration.

In the case of BKD Twenty-One Mgmt. Co. v. Delsordo, the appellate court addressed the interpretation of a lease agreement. At the center of the business litigation was a dispute over the meaning of the term “Establishment.” The plaintiff contended that the term “Establishment” meant “ruling class” or “controlling group” and therefore referred to “the folks running the retirement community.” The defendants contended that “Establishment” meant “place of business.” The appellate court agree with the defendants’ interpretation. BKD Twenty-One Mgmt. Co. v. Delsordo held that “…where one interpretation of a contract would be absurd and another would be consistent with reason and probability, the contract should be interpreted in the rational manner.” The appellate court held that in the context of a commercial lease agreement, the term “Establishment” necessarily meant “an institution or place of business.” Even though there are other definitions of the term “establishment,” the appellate court found that none of those alternative definitions would make sense in for a lease agreement concerning a business. Courts must consider the contractual provision within the context of the overall contract. The appellate court rejected plaintiff’s argument that the capitalization of the term “Establishment” in the lease meant that the term was referring to a “ruling class” or “the folks running the retirement community.” There were many key terms in the lease were capitalized, so the appellate court held that the capitalization of the term Establishment in the contract did not mean that the contract was referring to the “ruling class.”

“A true ambiguity does not exist merely because a contract can possibly be interpreted in more than one manner. Indeed, fanciful, inconsistent, and absurd interpretations of plain language are always possible.” American Med. Int’l, Inc. v. Scheller. It is the duty of the trial court presiding over business litigation to prevent such interpretations. For example, in the case of Sorota v. Belmat, Inc., 819 So. 2d 975 (Fla. 4th DCA 2002), the contract stated that the tenant was responsible for paying the utilities it uses in connection with the leased premises, but only its pro-rata share of those charges. The appellate court held that though it was not spelled out in the agreement, it was clear that by “pro-rata share” of the bill, the drafters intended that the tenant pay only for those utilities it actually used. The appellate court concluded that no other interpretation would make sense. Sorota v. Belmat, Inc. held that “contracts should be interpreted so as to avoid an absurd result.”

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Published on: November 4, 2020

FORT LAUDERDALE NON-COMPETE AGREEMENTS: ALLEGATIONS OF ILLEGAL CONDUCT AND RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS (PART II)

By Mavrick Law Firm

This article is the second of a two-part series concerning the enforcement of noncompete agreements when the former employee claims that his former employer engaged in illegal conduct. Part I explored the enforceability of contracts which contain illegal terms. This, Part II, addresses how allegations of illegal conduct can affect noncompete agreements particularly. As shown below, illegal conduct does not negate the enforcement of a noncompete agreement when unless the “legitimate business interest” supporting the noncompete agreement was illegal or there was a sufficient public policy reason to not enforce the noncompete agreement. Peter Mavrick is a Fort Lauderdale non-compete attorney, and also advocates for clients in Palm Beach, Boca Raton, and Miami, Florida. The Mavrick Law Firm represents clients in breach of contract litigation, trade secret litigation, non-compete agreement litigation, employment litigation, trademark litigation, and other legal disputes in federal and state courts and in arbitration.

Noncompete agreements are contracts and are affected by all of the general principles of contract law. However, noncompete agreements are a unique type of contract which has special provisions governing it. Generally, noncompete agreements are unlawful unless they comply with the requirements listed in § 542.335, Florida Statutes. Particularly, a “person seeking enforcement of a restrictive covenant shall plead and prove the existence of one or more legitimate business interests justifying the restrictive covenant.” § 542.335(b), Florida Statutes. The statute specifically describes that “trade secrets,” “valuable confidential business […] information,” “substantial relationships with specific prospective or existing customers,” “customer […] goodwill” associated with the sale of a business or a particular geographical or market area,” and “extraordinary or specialized training.” § 542.335 (1)-(5), Florida Statutes. While the vast majority of cases involve these particular categories of “legitimate business interests,” courts will consider other types of legitimate business interests which are not listed. White v. Mederi Caretenders Visiting Services of Southeast Florida, LLC, 226 So.3d 774 (Fla. 2017) (holding that referral sources may be legitimate business interests even though they are not listed in § 542.335).

The phrase “legitimate business interest” may sound as if the business seeking to enforce the noncompete agreement must be a “legitimate business.” This is not the way that the statute is worded nor how cases interpret it. Instead, the concern is whether there is a legitimate business interest in enforcement of the noncompete, specifically. § 542.335(c), Florida Statutes (“A person seeking enforcement of a restrictive covenant also shall plead and prove that the contractually specified restraint is reasonably necessary to protect the legitimate business interest or interests justifying the restriction”).

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Published on: October 30, 2020

MIAMI BUSINESS LITIGATION: ILLEGAL CONDUCT AND RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS (PART I)

By Mavrick Law Firm

Former employees who are accused of breaching their noncompete agreements with their former employer sometimes try to claim that the former employer engaged in illegal conduct, and thus, a noncompete agreement cannot be enforced. While there are certain types of unlawful conduct which a court may cite to justify the denial of request for a temporary injunction, the range of illegal conduct which would justify such a denial is very narrow. Most allegations of illegal conduct will not influence whether a restrictive covenant should be enforced, even if the allegations are true. This article is the first of a two-part series. This article addresses contracts which are unenforceable because they are unlawful, while the second article addresses allegations of unlawful activity within the context of a noncompete agreement. Peter Mavrick is a Miami business litigation lawyer, and also represents clients in business litigation in Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, and Palm Beach. The Mavrick Law Firm represents clients in breach of contract litigation, non-compete agreement litigation, employment litigation, trade secret litigation, trademark infringement litigation, and other legal disputes in federal and state courts and in arbitration.

Often, parties defending against business litigation will use everything at their disposal to influence their opponent into giving up. This can include making allegations of illegal conduct to argue that a noncompete agreement is unenforceable. Generally, Florida companies may enforce their contracts regardless if they have also performed an “illegal” action.

A contract which is itself illegal, however, is usually unenforceable. “[A] party generally may not seek to enforce an illegal contract.” P.C.B. P’ship v. City of Largo, 549 So. 2d 738 (Fla. 2d DCA 1989); Harris v. Gonzalez, 789 So. 2d 405 (Fla. 4th DCA 2001) (“A contract which violates a provision of the constitution or a statute is void and illegal, and, will not be enforced in our courts”).

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Published on: October 25, 2020

FORT LAUDERDALE NON-COMPETE AGREEMENTS: EMPLOYEE’S MILITARY SERVICE MAY NOT TOLL NON-COMPETE PERIOD

By Mavrick Law Firm

A non-compete period may not be tolled because an employee is called for active military duty. While an employee may not be denied reemployment on account of a person’s performance of military duty, under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994, 38 U.S.C. § 4311, a court may consider the fact that the employee was not competing when serving his or her military duties. Peter Mavrick is a Fort Lauderdale non-compete attorney, and also advocates for clients in Palm Beach, Boca Raton, and Miami, Florida. The Mavrick Law Firm represents clients in breach of contract litigation, trade secret litigation, non-compete agreement litigation, employment litigation, trademark litigation, and other legal disputes in federal and state courts and in arbitration.

An example of this circumstance occurred in the case of SCI Funeral Services of Florida, Inc. v. Henry, 839 So. 2d 702 (Fla. 3d DCA 2002). Anel Henry (Henry) was employed by SCI Funeral Services of Florida, Inc. (SCI) as a sales department group leader. He signed a non-compete agreement with SCI, which prohibited him from competing with SCI for a period of twelve months after his employment had been terminated for any reason, with or without cause. Henry later became the subject of SCI’s investigation of a sexual harassment claim. SCI temporarily suspended his employment while they conducted their investigation. Henry was also on reserve duty with the United States Army. During the suspension, he was called up for military service in Panama. Henry received a phone call from a SCI employee to warn him that SCI’s sales manager was terminating his employment.

Henry received orders from the Army extended his tour of duty to total about one year. After Henry returned from service in Panama, he requested to resume employment, but SCI refused. Henry then applied for work with Woodlawn Park Cemetery Company (Woodlawn), a competitor of SCI. Woodlawn offered Henry a job, which would begin in the following month. SCI’s counsel sent a letter to the Henry, with a copy to Woodlawn, that threatened a lawsuit for violation of the non-compete agreement. SCI contended that SCI did not formally terminate Henry until his return from military duty, therefore the twelve-month period began when he came back from Panama rather than when he left about twelve months earlier. Woodlawn terminated Henry’s employment due SCI’s threats to enforce the non-compete agreement. SCI, however, never filed suit to enforce the non-compete agreement.

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Published on: October 18, 2020

MIAMI NON-COMPETE AGREEMENTS: JUDGMENTS INCORPORATING ILLEGAL NON-COMPETES MAY BE ENFORCEABLE

By Mavrick Law Firm

Section 542.335 of the Florida Statutes permits non-compete agreements arising from: a) the sale of a business, b) an employment, agency, or independent contractor relationship, c) a licensing relationship, or d) a partnership. Contracts that restrain one from exercising a lawful profession, trade, or business, and that do not fall within the exceptions of the statute are generally void. However, when void non-compete agreement has been incorporated into a final judgment, it may still be enforceable. Peter Mavrick is a Miami non-compete attorney, and also advocates for clients in Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, and Palm Beach, Florida. The Mavrick Law Firm represents clients in breach of contract litigation, trade secret litigation, non-compete agreement litigation, employment litigation, trademark litigation, and other legal disputes in federal and state courts and in arbitration.

An example of this circumstance occurred in the case of Miller v. Preefer, 1 So. 3d 1278 (Fla. 4th DCA 2009). John W. Miller (Miller) owned and operated numerous restaurant and bar establishments under the “Ale House” name. Miller and nine associated companies filed a lawsuit against Jay Preefer, Richard Preefer, Jay Starr, and other associated companies (Preefer defendants). Miller’s lawsuit against Preefer defendants alleged trademark and service mark infringement based on Preefer defendants’ use of the name “Ale House.” Miller also alleged that Preefer defendants engaged in a pattern of unfair competition by registering various corporate names that included the words “Ale House,” and by utilizing Miller’s business model and menus.

The parties settled the lawsuit and entered a mediated settlement agreement. The parties agreed, among other things, on a non-compete provision that prohibited Miller from conducting a related restaurant business within a specific geographical area of Palm Beach County, Florida for fifty years. The trial court dismissed the lawsuit with prejudice as to all claims. The trial court entered a final judgment of dismissal which incorporated the settlement agreement. Jay Preefer sued Miller and alleged violations of the settlement agreement. Miller filed a counterclaim seeking a declaratory judgment finding that the non-compete was unenforceable. The parties settled the lawsuit and Miller’s counterclaim was dismissed without prejudice (meaning it can be refiled).

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Published on: September 27, 2020

FORT LAUDERDALE TRADE SECRET LAW: CONFIDENTIALITY AND NON-COMPETE AGREEMENTS PROTECT TRADE SECRETS

By Mavrick Law Firm

Businesses in highly competitive industries often create and maintain highly confidential business information and trade secrets. Businesses spend substantial amounts of money curating this confidential information. To protect this investment, businesses must take steps to ensure the continued secrecy of its confidential information, such as limiting access and requiring employees with access to sign confidentiality and non-compete agreements. Peter Mavrick is a Fort Lauderdale trade secret attorney, and also advocates for clients in Miami, Boca Raton, and Palm Beach, Florida. Mavrick Law Firm represents clients in breach of contract litigation, non-compete agreement litigation and injunction proceedings, business litigation , trademark infringement litigation, and other legal disputes in federal and state courts and in arbitration.

In the case of Freedom Med., Inc. v. Sewpersaud, 620CV771ORL37GJK, 2020 WL 3443837 (M.D. Fla. June 23, 2020), Freedom Medical, Inc. (“Freedom Medical”) rented and sold medical equipment to hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare providers. Freedom Medical created and maintained highly confidential business information, including marketing strategies, contact lists, pricing and customer lists, and relationships with purchasers and suppliers (collectively, “Confidential Information”). Freedom Medical spent thousands of dollars curating this Confidential Information and took steps to ensure its continued secrecy, such as limiting access and requiring Freedom Medical employees with access to sign agreements which protects that information. Maheshwar Sewpersaud (“Sewpersaud”) was a branch manager of Freedom Medical’s Orlando Office. Sewpersaud also assisted in sales outside his territory, including servicing national accounts. Freedom Medical and Sewpersuad entered an employment agreement which contained a with non-compete, non-solicitation, and confidentiality clauses.

Sewpersaud had access to Freedom Medical’s confidential information, including information on the specialty beds offered by Freedom Medical and the company’s strategy for selling them. Freedom Medical rented and sold specialty beds including Versatech-branded beds (“Versatech Beds”) and Rotec-branded beds (“Rotec Beds”). Rotec International (“Rotec”) manufactured both Versatech and Rotec Beds.

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