Does my employer own my fastlane business?

[luke]

I've recently had the opportunity to join a small and growing e-commerce firm (50+ employees) as a developer. I figured it would be a great opportunity to see fastlane from the inside.

However, they are making me sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement. I can understand why on their end. They don't want me divulging client lists, marketing info, code, etc... Effectively their trade secrets. I am more concerned about starting my own enterprise on the side (using my own time, knowledge, and resources). Do they "own" all of my intellectual property, even though I'm using different technologies (programming languages) and my own resources. For instance, if I start my own e-commerce (on the web + being able to accept money) site will they "own" it? Or what if I develop an app on my own computer and sell it, do they own that?

How do people (Elon Musk) who work for companies like Ebay start their own firms (PayPal) while maintaining intellectual property ownership?

If you're versed in the topic, I can send you a anonymous version of the document.

 

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[Milkanic]

NDAs rarely stand in court and they can't take your lively hood away from you (programming and web development).

Just stay away from doing anything in the same market as them and don't use their resources for anything (email, computer, etc.)

 

[biggeemac]

I have also been thinking about this since I am about to join a large company that does exactly what I am preparing to do. If they have me sign a non-compete or NDA, couldn't I simply do an LLC? Wouldn't that protect my little startup if an ex-employer tried to sue me for breaching one of these documents?