Situation
I was offered a "small work opportunity" to provide consulting for a company operated by someone I met locally.
They told me to sign some agreements, which I did.
The problem is that the agreements seem to be very restrictive.
The #1 problem I have is that I am extremely innovative and create a lot of companies, I don't want the contracts to possibly allow the theft of my intellectual property or put me at any risk for being sued.
A few key notes regarding the situation
- I have not done any work for the company or invoiced them.
- The contract is invalid, for example in the contract you will see "domain name auctioning business" this is nothing like the work they have requested me to do.
- They have not disclosed any "trade secrets" or "proprietary" information to me as they said they would in the contract.
Would this automatically void the contract?
My Goal
Essentially I want to be 100% sure that if I create a Facebook for example or some other great invention that these contracts won't be able to screw me over in some way or somehow take some credit for my inventions in any way.
I don't mind continuing business with this person (if it is possible) although I need to approach the resolution of these contracts as soon as possible.
How can I cancel these agreements as soon as possible (and if possible start to do business with this company under new or no terms)?
It reads in there that I can voluntarily cancel the agreements, will this forever remove all terms in the agreement? Essentially I just to be absolutely sure that this company can not claim any part of my inventions.
Would they even be able to claim any of my inventions that I make even while I am on the contract (since they have nothing to do with their company and I haven't even done any work for them).
I have attached the contracts for you to review if you would like to see the exact citations.
I have already contacted a lawyer and paid all the money I had and they didn't help me resolve anything, the guy just talked to me for a little bit. He essentially just took my $600 and no action was made. He said the best thing to do would be to wait it out because the contracts were never fulfilled by them and they can't claim my inventions etc if I am an independent contractor. To me it just sounded like a bunch of BS and not a real solution to this.
I don't want to have any uncertainty regarding these documents.
Here is my thoughts
Hello Company,
There has been a breach of contract on your end in regards to your obligations and description of the work which voids this contract. I voluntarily terminate these agreements as of today's date. As the agreements have been breached and do are too restrictive and affect the quality of my life.
I don't mind starting business with you, but the current contracts must be voided and new terms must be set before this happens.
Thank you,
Me
I realize I was foolish to sign some agreements without seeking legal review, and I will definitely never make the same mistake again.