One of my members works for ACN

**GuyBBY** · 02-11-2008 01:41 PM

Hi,

I have a start up LLC that is in the build phase (ecommerce) and there are 5 members. One is a best friend who co-founded the idea w/me, and I want him to serve as the COO and focus on strategy with me as well.

He works for Accenture as a consultant, and it seems to be an underground topic of what leeway Accenture employees have with being involved in other business ventures. The reason being that ACN has 150,00 employees in 180 countries involved in consulting every facet of business. This could create competition and intellectual property issues. Who is to say that just because he is a friend and happens to work for ACN that my business wouldn't need the $1K +/hr services of ACN and what will keep him from co-mingling his ACN skills with his "naturally a bright, business savvy person" ideas.

We reviewed his contract and it states that you cannot use ACN materials for other third party issues, nor are you the owner of any intellectual property you create while with the company. This goes on to say "within the scope of the business". My question: how the hell do I figure out ACN's scope lol! They are everywhere. My friend doesn't want to even attempt to speak to HR or anything as he doesn't want to rustle anyone's feathers as in a company like that things are very taboo and walking on eggshells about things not related to in-house matters.

If anyone has had any experience with this sort of thing: has been a consultant themselves and was also involved in a start up, or have any opinions, you are a lawyer that has seen this, etc. that would be great! And yes, I have my attorney looking into it, but wanted a real life experience if I could find one.

Thanks so much

**BusinessAdviser** · 02-11-2008 02:02 PM

You're headed in the right direction. An attorney is the appropriate person to answer your questions, especially considering the VERY limited about of relevant info provided in your post. Hope it all works out.