“The law has no retroactive effect, which is a positive because it didn't unwind existing agreements,” he said. Because the law applied only going forward, the advice he gives to companies differs based on when an employment agreement was signed — August 2022 versus August 2023. There are a few exceptions to the ban.
After Banning Noncompetes, Minnesota Prohibits Non-Solicitation Provisions in Agreements Between Service Providers and Their Customers | Epstein Becker Green.
Key Takeaways Under Minnesota State Law: Existing non-compete agreements entered before July 1, 2023, are still valid, so long as they are reasonable.
If the restriction on the employee is for an unusually long period of time, there's going to be a problem. One to two years is typically reasonable, while three to five years is unlikely to be upheld by a court.
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.
Noncompetes banned: Noncompete and restrictive-franchise provisions in nearly all employee agreements are banned. (both already in effect). The 2024 legislative session went further and banned restrictive employment covenants in service contracts. All of these provisions are already in effect.
The Court therefore held the Non-Compete Rule “shall not be enforced or otherwise take effect on its effective date of September 4, 2024, or thereafter.”
Noncompetes banned: Noncompete and restrictive-franchise provisions in nearly all employee agreements are banned. (both already in effect). The 2024 legislative session went further and banned restrictive employment covenants in service contracts. All of these provisions are already in effect.
Employers do enforce non-competes, but the extent varies. Some employers rigorously enforce these agreements to protect their business interests, while others may choose not to pursue legal action.
Last year, on July 1, 2023, Minnesota became only the fourth state (along with California, Oklahoma and North Dakota) to ban noncompetes.