The simplest way to get out of that kind of contract is merely to ask them to release your from it. If they refuse, you might need to get a lawyer to aid you in doing so. Non-compete contracts usually have penalties specified and certainly have durations. A contract that the courts deem to be unfair can be nullified.
And Prof. 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.
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.
Noncompete agreements are void and prohibited by law in California. QUICK SUMMARY: In California, noncompete agreements that are intended to prevent or restrain an employee from engaging in another lawful possession, trade or business during their employment have long been unenforceable.
The following are the most common ways to get out of a non-compete agreement: Determine that the terms of the contract do not in fact prevent you from a desired course of action. Recognize when a non-compete contradicts the law. Negotiate a release agreement with the involved parties. Ignore the agreement.
Challenge the agreement in court—if you believe the non-compete agreement is unenforceable or the terms are not reasonable, you can challenge it in court.
Some states (California and a few others) have made non-competes void by statute, but even in states that have not passed anti-non-compete laws, courts have been trending toward avoiding enforcement of these provisions (in favor of the employee) for years.
Actual Damages An employer can sue a former employee who violates a non-compete agreement for actual losses.
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.
Noncompete agreements are void and prohibited by law in California.