PROTECTION OF CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

The protection of confidential business information and trade secrets is vital to the interests and the success of PHK CPA. Such confidential information includes, but is not limited to, the following examples:

Employee information (including compensation, evaluations and the like).

Client lists

Client preferences

Financial information

Marketing strategies

Pending projects and proposals

Research and development strategies.

Employees who improperly use trade secrets or confidential business information, or who improperly disclose such information, will be subject to disciplinary action (up to and including discharge).  Employees who regularly have access to highly-confidential information may be required to sign a specific acknowledgement of their non-disclosure obligations as a condition of employment, to serve as additional proof of their knowledge of these legal obligations to PHK CPA.  

Regardless of whether any such signed acknowledgement is obtained, PHK CPA normally will have the legal right to insist on confidentiality of such information, even after the employee has gone to work for another company.  Disclosure of confidential Company information to a future employer is strictly prohibited, and may subject the former employee (as well as the new employer) to suit for any damages resulting from the unauthorized disclosure.  At termination, employees will be required to certify that they have returned all company documents and records (including any duplications of the same).  To the extent permitted by law, final paychecks will be held pending receipt of this certification.