Can I be sued for what i know about my workplace?

Question

Long story short, I work for a new startup small business, that markets new engines and transmissions, well marketed as if we built them. We do not. In fact I've never even seen an actual engine I've sold. Well things aren't working out the best with the bosses. I do not want to quit, that's just not me. My question is no where in my employee handbook does it say anything about company information being private, i triple checked. If something does happen like they fire me, can I be sued for exposing internal company secrets to their competitors? Obviously most intelligent business owners would be the first thing in their handbook, but its no where to be seen.

Thank you for the early and good help, i just wanted to add that this is a SMALL company, like 5 people total including myself. That is the only agreement I signed, as I'm very careful reading anything before i sign.

Answer 1

You need to check any PAPERWORK you signed when they hired you. Most companies (I used to work in auto) make you sign a non-disclosure agreement and sometimes a non-compete agreement when you hire in so that you can't a) tell your competitors any intellectual property from your company and b) you can't leave and go work directly for a competitor.

This information is NOT always in the employee handbook, as it can be different for each employee depending on the level in which they hire. (i.e. Officers of the company have more stringent non-compete clauses, and the person who handles shipping might have a less stringent non-compete clause)

So you need to check with HR and see everything you signed at the time of hire or new hire orientation.

Answer 2

The reason that the employee handbook doesn't say anything about giving Company secrets to a competitor, IT IS ONLY COMMON SENSE. You could be open to a FEDERAL charge of commercial espionage. The information you have is called "Proprietary", which means not for public dissemination.

Does McDonald tell Wendy what's in the "Secret Sauce"?
When was the last time you saw KFC's "11 herbs and spices" published?

You, as an employee know, or should know, that such action will provide the competitor with an unfair advantage over your company. Which would cause loss of customers, then loss of business and ultimately loss of your and co-worker's jobs, including the owner.

Answer 3

If you are that concerned, talk to a lawyer who specializes in employment law... If you want to take them down, talk to your state's Attorney General about their deceptive practices. Some states have whistleblower laws...