I'm a software developer at a company that develops software for the healthcare industry. Recently I received an interview call from another company that creates pretty much the same products that we do.
When joining my current company, the offer letter was sent to me by email and I only signed it a month later when I actually joined. At the time of signing the offer letter by my employer and me, I was also given the employment contract which was signed by my employer and me. I'm a staff employee now.
The offer letter states:
During and after the period of employment with the company, you will not engage in any endeavor or activity which conflicts with the interests and business of the company or join a competing organization, for a minimum period of two years.
The employment contract however, does not contain the above paragraph.
There is a clause on confidentiality and non disparagement, but nothing that says that I should not join a competing organization.
The employment contract also contains this clause:
Entire agreement; Amendments:
a) This Agreement supersedes and cancels any and all previous understandings, representations and agreements of whatever nature between the parties with respect to the matters covered herein.
b) This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter herein and may be amended only by an agreement in writing signed by all the parties hereto.
Does this mean that I can interview with and join the other company or is it implicitly understood that the paragraph in the offer letter should be honored?