@Mage Not so crazy ... Re: Crazy
These employment agreements are very complex and the law isn't so simple.
First, where did the employee work. While AWS is in Washington State, if he was employed in a state where he has the right to work, the contract may not be enforceable.
Second is the concept of consideration. Was he provided with a bonus to compensate him for a gardening period.
Third duration. 18 months. That's a long time.
So AWS could have presented a contract and forced him to sign it while knowing its not enforceable.
IBM does this all the time. The real issue though is if the contract was not too restrictive. Meaning AWS restricts him from Google but not Azure.
This is where you need a good lawyer.
The first thing Google will do is to try and get it tossed out right. If not... then argue jurisdiction. Since AWS has a business presence in his state (PA).
Biting the hand that feeds IT
