Noncompete agreements are void and prohibited by law in California.
Noncompete agreements are typically deemed illegal under the California Business and Professions Code unless the agreement has been made between two business owners or partners.
Consider Legal Action. If negotiations do not yield a satisfactory result, you may need to consider legal action. This could involve filing a lawsuit to challenge the enforceability of the non-compete agreement or seeking a court order to invalidate the agreement.
For decades, noncompete agreements have been almost entirely unenforceable in California. At the end of 2023, the California legislature expanded its ban on noncompetes to encompass contracts entered outside of California by enacting California Business and Professions Code section 16600.5.
Several factors can void or limit the enforceability of a non-compete agreement, including overly broad restrictions, unreasonable time frames or geographical limits, lack of consideration (such as compensation or job opportunities provided in exchange for the agreement), and violation of public policy.
A failure to provide proper notice constitutes unfair competition and can result in a penalty of $2,500 per violation. The amendment does not specify exactly how the penalty is calculated, such as whether it is $2,500 for each employee or per clause or agreement.
Consider Legal Action. If negotiations do not yield a satisfactory result, you may need to consider legal action. This could involve filing a lawsuit to challenge the enforceability of the non-compete agreement or seeking a court order to invalidate the agreement.
16600.1. (a) It shall be unlawful to include a noncompete clause in an employment contract, or to require an employee to enter a noncompete agreement, that does not satisfy an exception in this chapter.