If I was hired at a grooming salon 3 years ago as an independent contractor, what are my rights to my client list?

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If I was hired at a grooming salon 3 years ago as an independent contractor, what are my rights to my client list?

During this time I have help build a very strong clientele. The owner of the store recently sold the store to another groomer. I was wondering if I had any legal rights to any of the dogs? I do have some clients that only want me to groom their dogs. I was wondering if I got their information and contact them to let them know I will be leaving this salon can I get into any legal trouble. I will only be doing this to the clients that I know only want me to do their dogs. I never signed any contract.

Asked on February 7, 2013 under Business Law, Utah

Answers:

SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 11 years ago | Contributor

If you truly were an independent contractor, and not an employee mis-characterized as an independent contractor (such as to avoid paying benefits), then if there is no non-solicitation or non-competition agreement, you should be able to contact your clients and let them know that you will be moving on, in order to see if they would want to continue using you.


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