[alan_cx]

To look at it the opposite way...

Could you quit and re-start? If you have employees, maybe they quit and follow you? Perhaps your investors would go with you too.

[ra3]

He likely has a clause in the employment agreement preventing him from competing in any way. Pretty standard

[alan_cx]

Well, yes. Except, with his leaving, and assuming all the important people, etc went with him, what would the remaining co-founder have left to be competing with?

Then what resources would the remaining co-founder have to go through the US court system?

Lastly, leaving and re-starting doesn't have to mean the exact same product.

I know what you are saying, but Im pretty sure it could be side stepped with some creative thinking.

[cma]

>Then what resources would the remaining co-founder have to go through the US court system?

To bet on this would be to bet on the new company being a failure.

Because if it ever does become successful, plenty of lawyers would be willing to work on behalf of the ousted cofounder on contingency.

[aceperry]

If the other employees respect him so much, they probably won't follow you if you quit.