Non-competition, non-dealing and non-solicitation restrictive covenants are only enforceable under English law if the employer can demonstrate that: it has a legitimate business interest that it is seeking to protect; and.
Consequently, even where non-compete clauses are found in employment contracts, they may not necessarily be enforceable, unless a court considers that the non-compete clause is to protect a “legitimate business interest” and is no wider than reasonably necessary.
The beneficiary, also known as the covenantee, has the right to enforce the restrictive covenant, and it is crucial to act quickly to avoid potential repercussions, such as significant expenses incurred by a developer.
How long do restrictive covenants last? They have no official expiration date. As long as the legal requirements for a restrictive covenant are otherwise met, a restrictive covenant could be hundreds of years old and could still be enforceable.
The beneficiary, also known as the covenantee, has the right to enforce the restrictive covenant, and it is crucial to act quickly to avoid potential repercussions, such as significant expenses incurred by a developer.
This is called a 'non-solicitation clause'. Or your contract might say you can't do any business with former customers at all - even if they approach you. This is called a 'non-dealing covenant'. Ask your old employer if they'll let you ignore the limit on who you can work for.