Utah courts require that non-compete restrictions be “reasonably limited in time and geographic area” in order to be valid and enforceable. Generally speaking, the geographic restriction in a non-compete provision cannot be more broad than the territory encompassed by the employer's business.
Under case law, non-competes will only be enforceable if they are no wider than reasonably necessary to protect a legitimate interest (e.g. protection of confidential information or customer contacts) and are not contrary to the public interest.
Yes, but it's rare. Most non compete agreements don't hold up under legal challenge, as a company cannot keep you from employment in your specialty. The only ones that hold up are VERY narrow in their focus, pertaining to highly confidential materials/intellectual property.
The FTC's notice of appeal does not immediately impact the status of the non-compete ban. Absent a Fifth Circuit order to the contrary, the Texas district court order setting aside the Rule remains in place, meaning that the non-compete ban continues to remain unenforceable nationwide.
California is an outlier compared to most states; non-compete agreements are unenforceable. While employers can seek out other ways to protect confidential company information, a non-compete agreement will not accomplish those goals. Here's what you need to know about California non-compete enforceability.
The FTC voted 3-2 to ban most non-competes for U.S. workers. The final rule and discussion is over 500 pages long, but it is intentionally broad and captures most non-competes for both employees and independent contractors.
Under Texas law noncompete agreements can be enforceable if: The noncompete provision is part of an otherwise enforceable agreement. The non-compete requirement is supported by valid consideration (consideration meaning something of value provided to the employee).
In Texas, there is no requirement that the employee must leave on their own terms to preserve the enforceability of the non-compete agreement. In other words, a non-compete agreement remains in force whether the employee quit, was fired, or laid off.
The Non-Compete Rule would prohibit employers from entering into or otherwise enforcing non-compete clauses and some similar agreements, beginning on September 4, 2024. It would also require employers to notify workers subject to such agreements that their agreements are no longer enforceable.
In Texas, a court has the ability to modify – or even nullify – the non-compete if the court determines that it is not reasonable. The courts are given wide latitude to reform a non-compete if the court believes the scope of activity, duration, or geographic area are too restrictive.