Company seeking my personal projects during non-work at home?

Question

Ok, so I'm building "Web 2.0/3.0" sites to make extra money. I currently run my own personal project sites with some advanced technology in the backend (AI stuff, recommendation system) that I've developed over the years. It's a subscription site for me to make money on the side.

Now, my company (they do web application/software technology, ad network) somehow found out I run several websites. They were like, "Hey Joe, you run so and so websites! Why not put them on our ad network?? The stuff you're doing is a threat to our technology -- we don't want you competing with us on the side. Let us have your websites and put it on our portfolio/ad network."

Ok, basically it seems they want the rights to my technology and personal project. Somehow they must've googled my name and linked it to some projects I'm working on on the side. Is this ethical for a company to do? Trying to own my personal project since it's got some cool technology and trying to own the rights to it? Just because I work for the company doesn't mean I'm gonna make an offer to them, right?

Answer 1

You probably need to consult a lawyer. What were the terms of your employment that you agreed to when you were hired? Was there a non-compete clause? Was there a required disclosure clause?