Consequently, even where non-compete clauses are found in employment contracts, they may not necessarily be enforceable, unless a court considers that the non-compete clause is to protect a “legitimate business interest” and is no wider than reasonably necessary.
The beneficiary, also known as the covenantee, has the right to enforce the restrictive covenant, and it is crucial to act quickly to avoid potential repercussions, such as significant expenses incurred by a developer.
How long do restrictive covenants last? They have no official expiration date. As long as the legal requirements for a restrictive covenant are otherwise met, a restrictive covenant could be hundreds of years old and could still be enforceable.
This is called a 'non-solicitation clause'. Or your contract might say you can't do any business with former customers at all - even if they approach you. This is called a 'non-dealing covenant'. Ask your old employer if they'll let you ignore the limit on who you can work for.
For example, restrictive covenants can prevent owners and tenants from making certain renovations, having pets, parking RVs in the driveway, or raising livestock.
The beneficiary, also known as the covenantee, has the right to enforce the restrictive covenant, and it is crucial to act quickly to avoid potential repercussions, such as significant expenses incurred by a developer.
If the restrictive covenant is in respect of a flat, you generally have the right under the terms of the lease to ask the landlord to enforce covenants against other flat owners. If you own the benefit of a restrictive covenant, then you can bring legal action yourself to enforce it.
It is possible to apply to the Lands Chamber of the Upper Tribunal to have a restrictive covenant “discharged or modified”, as the statute puts it, in order to get the covenant removed or changed so that development can take place or the use of the land can be changed.