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.
Noncompete agreements are void and prohibited by law in California.
The answer is, it depends. The determining factors are how and what the new company acquired in the transaction and also whether the employee had to reapply for the new company or experienced any major changes in the terms and conditions of employment.
The General Rule in California: Covenants Not to Compete Are Not Enforceable. Any discussion of California law on non-compete agreements starts with the general principle. As the California Supreme Court ruled in its landmark decision on the topic, Edwards v. Arthur Andersen LLP, 44 Cal.
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.
Consider Legal Action. If negotiations do not yield a satisfactory result, you may need to consider legal action. This could involve filing a lawsuit to challenge the enforceability of the non-compete agreement or seeking a court order to invalidate the agreement.
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.
Under California law, the sale of business exception only allows non-compete agreements for business owners who sell (i) the goodwill of a business, (ii) all of their ownership in a business entity; or (iii) all or substantially all of the assets of a business together with the goodwill of that business.
Add information about the parties involved. Describe the terms of the Non-Compete Agreement, such as the length and area of the restriction. If necessary, you can include a non-solicitation clause. Create any additional clauses you want to add.