Google and Microsoft Lob More Lawsuits

crowemojo writes "According to a Business Week article Google has filed a counter-suit against Microsoft in reaction to the lawsuit that Microsoft filed when a corporate VP left to join the ranks of Google. Microsoft claims that the VP violated his non-compete agreement and Google claims that Microsoft is violating California laws giving workers the right to change jobs. Interestingly enough, the VP in question never lived in California!"

Comments

CA dreamin'

[Mr. Underbridge]

Regarding his not living in CA...

"In its complaint, Google argues California laws should apply because its headquarters -- and most of its nearly 4,200 workers -- are in the state. What's more, Google said Lee already is registered to vote in California, pays taxes in the state and plans to buy a Silicon Valley home."

Re:Just because he went to Google

[GreyPoopon]

Seriously, how can a contract clause saying "when you quit you can not work in this industry for x months" be legal?

I personally think that it shouldn't, but I think each state has to determine for itself whether it will allow such. These non-compete clauses got pretty popular during the dot-com era, when people were changing jobs every six months and raising their income by 50% every time. I think with today's employment situation, particularly in IT, these clauses should all be nullified.