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.”
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.
For senior executives, existing noncompetes can remain in force. Existing noncompetes with workers other than senior executives are not enforceable after the effective date. Fewer than 1% of workers are estimated to be senior executives under the final rule.
Takeaways. On December 23, 2023, Gov. Kathy Hochul vetoed the New York State Legislature's proposed ban on all new non-compete agreements. Despite the veto, Governor Hochul has left open the possibility of a statewide restriction on non-compete agreements for lower-wage workers.
New York courts will only enforce them in only very rare limited situations. As explained more below, we are able to defeat most non-compete agreements by using the Legitimate Business Interests Test. A court will only enforce a non-compete agreement if the company can satisfy this test and most companies cannot do so.
Employers who enter into or attempt to enforce noncompetes are liable for damages and a penalty of up to $5,000 per employee. A partner must own more than 10 percent of a business to qualify for the sale of a business exemption to California's noncompete ban.
compete agreement could also bar someone from looking for work in their industry from six months to two years after they leave their previous employer. If you break your end of the contract by taking a job with a competitor, your employer may sue.
Are non-competes legal? A non-compete is only allowed and enforceable to the extent it (1) is necessary to protect the employer's legitimate interests, (2) does not impose an undue hardship on the employee, (3) does not harm the public, and (4) is reasonable in time period and geographic scope.
Under case law, non-competes will only be enforceable if they are no wider than reasonably necessary to protect a legitimate interest (e.g. protection of confidential information or customer contacts) and are not contrary to the public interest.