Laws about companies?

Question

Say you work for someone and are starting a new company that does the same thing on the side (an asphalt company). You get fired and when you are returning a tool to a worker (because your boss wants you to return everything) on the job site of your ex work, you start talking to a previous client. Then your boss sends you a letter saying this is illegal and you are not allowed to talk to any of their clients (even though you got most of them). I'm asking if this is a valid letter and if he can file a lawsuit if you continue to talk to the clients. Thank You and please no bogus answers.

Answer 1

This varies somewhat among the states. From what you have summarized here this could be a violation of laws enacted by most every state, including but not limited to:  Uniform Trade Secrets Act, common law, as embodied int the Restatement of Torts and the Restatement (Second) of Agency. Such common law claims include breach of fiduciary duty, breach of duty of loyalty, willful and malicious misappropriation of trade secrets and intentional interference with business expectancies. I would take this very seriously. You could be liable for actual damages, punitive damages of at least twice the amount of actual damages, attorney fees and taxable costs.