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.
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.
Employers do enforce non-competes, but the extent varies. Some employers rigorously enforce these agreements to protect their business interests, while others may choose not to pursue legal action.
The notice must be: (1) made by February 14, 2024; (2) a written individualized communication to the employee or former employee; and (3) delivered to the last known address and email address of the employee or former employee.
Noncompete agreements are typically deemed illegal under the California Business and Professions Code unless the agreement has been made between two business owners or partners.
For decades, noncompete agreements have been almost entirely unenforceable in California. At the end of 2023, the California legislature expanded its ban on noncompetes to encompass contracts entered outside of California by enacting California Business and Professions Code section 16600.5.
While non-compete agreements can still hold up after an employee quits, the specifics of each situation play a crucial role. Employees should seek to understand the terms before signing and consider the potential legal implications should they decide to leave the employer.
For decades, noncompete agreements have been almost entirely unenforceable in California. At the end of 2023, the California legislature expanded its ban on noncompetes to encompass contracts entered outside of California by enacting California Business and Professions Code section 16600.5.
Outside of those industries, the major exceptions include (1) existing agreements for “senior executives” (defined below), (2) non-competes entered into in connection with the bona fide sale of a business, and (3) non-competes enforced where the cause of action accrued prior to the rule's effective date.