Hi there, I was an account manager in a big Internet company. While working there I have built a list of more than 2000 companies which were under my care. Today I do not work in that company, but I have still the list since I was working at home (about 2300 companies). I pretend to found my own company in the same branch using my experience and my contacs, but I am not sure if legally I could use or even contact the members of the list on my own. Is there any way to use this list and contacts without getting troubles with data protection laws? Is there anyway to use that list? I am living in Europe. el_yoyo
I see 2 potential issues: 1) You would be spamming them, since they never authorized YOU personally to email them. 2) Intellectual Property rights - that list is the property of the company you worked for, so you legally do not have the right to keep it (or use it).
i agree with ab420, any data that you have obtained from another company is not yours because when you obtained that data you were using the name of the company. You will not only get in trouble with the companies you are going to contact but also with the previous company you were with when they found out.
I think it depends on what the nature of your list is. Would you be able to reach the people on your list without having to steal their information from the previous company you worked for? Lets say their contact information was publicly available, then you have the argument that you composed this list on your own time. It does seem sketchy though I would be very cautious about using your list. If you think there is a way that your previous company would find out and take legal actions against you it's probably not worth your time.
Thanks for the advices. Those exactly are my worries. @Le Dangles, The list has the name of the companies and a Website (plus email and phone numbers and contact person´s name). Websites are public and most have a contact form. I could reach those companies through the contact form in their websites as any body else. The point is if I should present myself as their former account manager. It is allowed? Is it legal that use my previous status/influence to gain this companies as clients (and eventually teke them from my former company)?
Point 1. They have not opted into any list belonging to you personally so you would be spamming them. Point 2. Knowing the way cotracts are written in Europe I am sure I would be safe in saying If you use those email addresses then you will be breaching the terms of your contract with the employer, and will open your self up to some serious charges which at the least will cost you a lot in fines and could even result in jail time. Point 3 Your next question will be how will they find out? Not ALL but some of the companies WILL talk to your ex employer and inform them that they have been contacted by you.
It would take one potential customer to contact your former employer - and then you would receive a phone call or a cease letter in the mail.