Legal Framework for Non-Compete Agreements in New Jersey Existing noncompetes for senior executives remain in force, but are non-enforceable for other workers as of September 4, 2024.
Do You Have a Non-Compete? If you are subject to a non-compete, you should consult with a lawyer about what effect it may have on your business plan. A non-compete or covenant not to compete is an agreement not to compete with your employer in a certain practice and geographical area.
If your non-compete agreement prevents you from pursuing the types of career opportunities that best fit your qualifications or interests, you may decide to challenge the agreement's validity on the following grounds: Employer fired you without cause. Employer breached terms of an employment contract first.
In New Jersey, there is no state statute or regulation governing non- competes in employment generally. Non-compete agreements in the legal industry are governed by N.J. RPC 5.6. Non-compete agreements for psychologists licensed by the New Jersey Board of Psychological Examiners are governed by N.J.A.C. -10.16.
Non-compete agreements are executed in two typical situations – employment and the sale of a business. In New Jersey, courts are less motivated to enforce non-compete agreements incidental to one's employment than they are to enforce a non-compete agreement incidental to the sale of one's business.
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.
For a non-compete agreement to be enforceable, New Jersey courts require that the non-compete agreement (1) protects the legitimate interests of the employer; (2) does not impose an undue hardship on the employee; and (3) is not injurious to the public.
Clauses that preclude a former employee from working for any other employer in a specific industry are invalidated, as are more narrowly-tailored clauses that preclude a former employee from working for a direct competitor during a discrete, limited time period subsequent to the termination of the individual's ...
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.
You cannot, unless the parties to the non-compete agreement agree to terminate the agreement in writing. You have not signed a non-compete agreement gratuitously unless it is a condition of your employment. You must have received valuable consideration for signing a non-compete agreement.