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Make edits, fill in missing information, and update formatting in US Legal Forms—just like you would in MS Word.

Download a copy, print it, send it by email, or mail it via USPS—whatever works best for your next step.

Sign and collect signatures with our SignNow integration. Send to multiple recipients, set reminders, and more. Go Premium to unlock E-Sign.

If this form requires notarization, complete it online through a secure video call—no need to meet a notary in person or wait for an appointment.

We protect your documents and personal data by following strict security and privacy standards.
Non-compete agreements are not viewed favorably under North Carolina law. To be valid, they must be designed to protect a legitimate business interest of the employer. If it is too broad to be considered a reasonable protection of the employer's business, it will not be enforced.
There Is No Legitimate Business Interest Showing that the agreement is not related to a legitimate business interest is the most effective way of getting out of a non-compete contract. The goal of any non-compete agreement is to protect trade secrets.
If you have signed a non-compete agreement and then you violate the agreement by working for a compe tor, your former employer can sue you in court. Your current employer may even decide to terminate your employment.
In North Carolina, courts are permitted to “blue pencil” restrictive covenants. This means that a court may decide not to enforce a part of the covenant that is distinctly separable in order to make the provision reasonable. However, a court is not able to re-draft an overly broad provision completely or from scratch.
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 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.
In North Carolina, non-compete agreements are enforceable, but only under strict conditions. A valid non-compete must meet certain criteria, including being in writing, having a reasonable time and territory restriction, and being part of your employment contract.
The blue pencil doctrine is a legal concept in common law countries in which a court finds that portions of a contract are void or unenforceable, but other portions of the contract are enforceable.