California Business and Professions Code § 16600.5 states that a void non-compete under California law is “unenforceable regardless of where and when the contract was signed.” It also prohibits employers from enforcing a void provision “regardless of whether the contract was signed and the employment was maintained ...
California enacted two non-compete laws, Senate Bill 699 (SB 699) and Assembly Bill 1076 (AB 1076), both of which went into effect on January 1, 2024.
The notice must be "individualized" and inform the employee that the noncompete clause or agreement is void. The notice must be sent to the last known address of the employee or former employee and to their email address.
Under California law, many non-compete agreements are automatically void. Evaluate whether your non-compete agreement falls under the general prohibition of California Business and Professions Code Section 16600. If the agreement was executed after January 1, 2024, it is likely void under AB 1076.
Code §§ 16600, 16601, and 16602.5). The only exceptions are non-compete or restrictive covenants that fall within one of the narrow exemptions authorized by statute, all of which relate to the sale of the goodwill of a business, or of a substantial ownership stake in the business.
A noncompete agreement has the ability to threaten your future job prospects, prohibit you from using your hard earned skills and compromise your livelihood. Fortunately, it is unlawful for an employer to enforce non-compete agreements in California.
AB 1076 Makes Noncompetes Unlawful Noncompetes in the employment law context are expressly unlawful. Employers must notify California employees (and former employees) hired after January 1, 2022, that their noncompetes are void. (Employers had a deadline of February 14, 2024, to do this.)
New California Laws Effective January 1, 2024, Senate Bill (SB) 699 makes it generally illegal for employers to enter into noncompete agreements with California employees. This applies to agreements signed both within and outside California.
Effective January 1, 2024, Senate Bill (SB) 699 makes it generally illegal for employers to enter into noncompete agreements with California employees.