Hey everyone, author here :) I'm sure most of you have more experience with contracts, so I'd like to hear your thoughts on stuff we, developers, shouldn't sign.
Hi Vadim, it’s so great you’ve written this and are trying to help others! It might be worth pointing out that in some places (Australia, I think California? And probably the European Union) the non-compete clauses can’t be enforced because companies aren’t allowed to stop you from making a living. Anti-poaching of employees sure but not anti-compete. So maybe people could do a quick google for their country or state to see if it’s even something to worry about (so they don’t reject a job for something that in practice isn’t relevant). Also, I’ve noticed that the NDA components are usually very reasonable as they mostly cover “material non-public information” (or something like that) so usually it’s not an issue, but good to check for sure.
Good advice. Same with Canada.
Very useful article. Thank you for putting it together. On one hand, you should read an employment contract or options agreement down to the letter, as you highlight. However, in my experience, most contracts have these provisions, at least in the US. Also, companies are going to be reluctant to deviate from a form template as this creates a legal mess down the road. My point being, you'll find it hard to "never sign" if every employer does this.
strike out and initial?
Sure - reducing items might work. But asking a company to give you tag along drag along rights when they weren't there just wont float.