After building a healthy reputation over years of service in their respective fields, some individuals in Florida and elsewhere may wish to try their hand at entering the realm of self employment. However, should a person choose to operate in a similar field, his or her previous employer might contest that the move is in violation of a noncompete agreement. A Harley Davidson dealership in another state has recently filed a lawsuit against a former employee under similar circumstances.

After working as a mechanic for a Harley Davidson outlet for more than 20 years, the man set out to open his own business. He says that his initial intention was to work on dirt and performance bikes. However, he asserts that he began receiving requests from former clients asking him to service their bikes and says that he eventually ended up opening his own shop several months later.

The man claims that he did not attempt to pull clients away from his former employer intentionally. However, the Harley Davidson outlet has recently filed a lawsuit against him, claiming that his actions are in direct violation of a noncompete agreement he signed while working for the company. The company states that the incident has caused it to suffer financial loss and it is seeking to block him from operating on Harley Davidson motorcycles.

When disputes over a noncompete agreement arise, all parties involved may wish to take steps to protect their interests. Those who face similar concerns could benefit from seeking legal counsel for guidance on how best to approach the situation. An attorney can examine the situation thoroughly and help a client in Florida better prepare to safeguard his or her interests through the proper channels.