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.
On January 1, 2024, California introduced a new statute that makes non-competes unlawful “regardless of where and when the contract was signed.” This law has produced new uncertainty for employers around the country, and, predictably, litigation has taken off.
AB 1076 Notice Requirement AB 1076 requires employers to send a notice to employees informing them that any noncompete agreements or noncompete provisions in their employment contract are void in California. The notice must be written and delivered to the employee's last known postal address and email address.
California's SB 699 prohibits employers or former employers from attempting to enter into or enforce a contract that contains a noncompete agreement regardless of where the contracts were signed – whether in or outside of California.
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 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.
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.
Key Takeaways. A non-compete agreement legally binds a current or former employee from competing with an employer for a specific time after employment ceases. Under such an agreement, the employee must not reveal any trade secrets learned during or after employment.
(c) Employee name agrees not to set up in business as a direct competitor of company name within a radius of number miles of company name and location for a period of number and measure of time (e.g., “four months” or “10 years”) following the expiration or termination of this agreement.