In Virginia, non-compete and non-solicitation agreements are enforceable only if they are narrowly drawn to protect the employer's legitimate business interests, are not unduly burdensome on the employee's ability to earn a living, and are not against public policy.
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.
Chapter 2 – How to Beat Your Virginia Non-Compete Get a copy of the agreement. Have an attorney review the agreement. Don't plan your new business at work! ... Do not advertise your new business until you know your non-compete agreement is not an issue. Be Honest. Seek legal action to determine validity of the agreement.
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.
Virginia courts have upheld employment non-competes up to 2 years post-employment. If a non-compete is included in a business sale, it can be enforceable for a longer period, up to 5 years. If an employer's non-compete is for longer than 2 years, unless it is for the sale of a business, it will be held unenforceable.
In Virginia, non-compete and non-solicitation agreements are enforceable only if they are narrowly drawn to protect the employer's legitimate business interests, are not unduly burdensome on the employee's ability to earn a living, and are not against public policy.
Yes. It affects everyone in the US, it's a federal ruling. You simply will not have any more non compete clauses in any employment agreements, outside the handful of given exceptions. That does not mean your employer has to tolerate your working for a competitor, however. You will just be subject to termination.