The level of competition between rival companies in Florida and elsewhere can be intense at times. While this aspect of business could be healthy under certain circumstances, there are a variety of scenarios in which conflict may arise. Real estate companies Zillow and Compass have recently engaged in noncompete and trade secret disputes after Zillow claimed that three former employees turned in their resignations and accepted positions with a competitor.

According to reports, Zillow claims that all three former employees violated their noncompete agreements upon accepting positions at Compass. In addition, the company asserts that these employees stole confidential company information prior to turning in their resignations. Zillow has since filed two lawsuits against Compass, accusing the company of attempting to poach employees and theft of trade secrets.

However, representatives from Compass reportedly claim that the two companies are not in direct competition with one another. As such, the company states that the employees did not violate any previous contractual obligations upon being hired to work for Compass. The company also claims that no theft of trade secrets occurred, and it claims that Zillow is merely using the situation to scare current employees away from taking similar action.

Noncompete and trade secret disputes can be highly-contested matters and the outcome of these disputes could have a substantial impact on the futures of everyone involved. Those who face similar forms of conflict may wish to know more about the steps to take to protect their legal rights, but they might be uncertain where to turn for guidance. Fortunately, there are attorneys in Florida who can examine the circumstances a person is facing and assist in forming a strategy to pursue the best outcome achievable through the necessary channels.