The Illinois Freedom to Work Act prohibits non-compete agreements between an employer and low-wage employees, including non- competes that restrict a low-wage employee from performing work for another employer that is similar to the employee's work for the employer that is party to the agreement (see Question 1).
The employer's breach of the parties' employment relationship or unclean hands can serve as a defense to defeat a covenant not to compete or non-solicitation clause signed by the employee, even if that agreement is otherwise properly narrowly drafted and enforceable.
Illinois courts generally disfavor non-competes as a restraint of trade. However, Illinois courts enforce non-compete agreements if they are: ∎ Reasonable. ∎ Supported by adequate consideration.
(820 ILCS 90/10.) A non-compete agreement entered into on or after January 1, 2022, is void unless: The employee receives adequate consideration. The agreement is ancillary to a valid employment relationship.
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.
Non-Competitive Activity at New Employer: One of the most straightforward ways to overcome a noncompete is by ensuring that your new role with a different employer is in a non-competitive capacity. If you're not engaging in activities that directly compete with your former employer's business, you may be in the clear.
Illinois courts generally disfavor non-competes as a restraint of trade. However, Illinois courts enforce non-compete agreements if they are: Reasonable. Supported by adequate consideration.
A noncompete is unenforceable if it restricts an employee's ability to exercise their rights under federal law. No employer may enter into a covenant not to compete or a covenant not to solicit with any employee.
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.
The very basic requirements are that the non-compete must (1) be in writing; (2) be part of an employment contract; (3) be based on valuable consideration; (4) be reasonable in scope of time and of territory; (5) not be against public policy.