Advizex Technologies, LLC has filed a lawsuit against four former employees, alleging breach of non-compete agreements and fiduciary duties. The complaint was lodged in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio on January 13, 2026, targeting Michael Baker, Bruce Priddy, Ernest Roberts (Hayes) Alley III, and Jordan McManus as defendants.
The case centers around accusations that these former employees violated their contractual obligations by joining Davenport Group, Inc., a direct competitor of Advizex. According to the filing, each defendant had signed a Confidentiality, Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Agreement with Advizex during their employment. These agreements explicitly prohibited them from engaging in competitive activities or working for competitors within specific geographic regions for one year following their departure from Advizex. The plaintiff claims that despite these clear terms, the defendants are now employed by Davenport Group and are using confidential information gained during their tenure at Advizex to benefit their new employer.
Advizex alleges that the defendants’ actions have caused significant harm to its business interests by breaching confidentiality agreements and fiduciary duties owed to the company. The company asserts that it has suffered damages due to this breach and is seeking both injunctive relief and monetary compensation. Specifically, Advizex requests that the court order the return of all confidential information held by the defendants and restrain them from further breaches. Additionally, they seek exemplary and punitive damages along with reimbursement for legal fees incurred in pursuing this action.
The lawsuit highlights the importance of upholding non-compete clauses in employment contracts to protect proprietary business information and maintain competitive advantage. By taking legal action against its former employees, Advizex aims to reinforce these contractual boundaries and deter similar violations in the future.
Representing Advizex Technologies in this case are attorneys Karina R. Conley and Julia G. Ross from McDonald Hopkins LLC based in Cleveland, Ohio, along with Timothy J. Lowe from McDonald Hopkins PLC located in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. The case is being heard under Case ID 1:26-cv-00083.
Source: 126cv00083_Advizex_Technologies_LLC_v_Baker_Complaint_Northern_District_Ohio.pdf
