---
title: What are my options if a former employee is trying to compete with my business in Pennsylvania?
description: Looking for answers on how to handle a former employee who may be trying to compete with your business in Pennsylvania? Check out Legal Faqs for expert advice and guidance on your options. Protect your business and your livelihood with the right knowledge and strategy.
image: https://www.legalfaq.ai/hubfs/LegalFAQ/pennsylvania-legal-faqs.jpg
---

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 April 16, 2023

# What are my options if a former employee is trying to compete with my business in Pennsylvania?

![Picture of Chris Battis](https://www.legalfaq.ai/hs-fs/hubfs/battis-mug.jpg?width=50&name=battis-mug.jpg) By  [Chris Battis](https://www.legalfaq.ai/faqs/author/chris-battis)  ·   1 minute read

As a lawyer, your options depend on the specific terms of any applicable non-compete agreements or trade secret protections that may exist between you and the former employee. If there is a valid non-compete agreement in place, you may be able to prevent the former employee from competing with your business in Pennsylvania, either by filing a lawsuit to enforce the non-compete agreement or by negotiating a settlement agreement that requires the former employee to cease any competitive activity.

If there is no non-compete agreement in place, you may still have legal options to prevent the former employee from competing with your business, but the legal analysis would be different. For example, you may have trade secret protections under Pennsylvania law that could be used to prevent the former employee from using your trade secrets to compete with your business. In order to protect your trade secrets, you will need to take reasonable steps to keep them confidential and take prompt action if you become aware of any unauthorized use or disclosure.

It is also possible that the former employee's competitive activity could violate Pennsylvania's unfair competition laws, which prohibit certain types of business practices that are deemed unfair or deceptive. If you believe that the former employee is engaging in unfair competition, you may be able to file a lawsuit to stop the behavior and seek damages for any harm that it has caused to your business.

Ultimately, the best course of action will depend on the specifics of your situation. It is important to consult with an experienced attorney who can advise you on your legal options and help you determine the best course of action to protect your business interests.

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