Restrictive Covenants For Employees In Massachusetts
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An employee can challenge a restrictive covenant if they believe it is unreasonable or prevents them from finding suitable employment. If the covenant is too broad or not essential to protecting the employer's business, it may be deemed unenforceable by the courts.
If a deed restriction is not enforceable, you can choose to ignore it and take on the risk of a neighbor filing suit, or you can seek out a judge's ruling to have the covenant removed from the deed. Obtaining that ruling is easier when no one is actively enforcing the covenant.
"A covenant not to compete contained in a contract for personal services will be enforced if it is reasonable, based on all the circumstances."
When it comes to the duration of the non-compete, the courts generally focus on what amount of time it will take the employer to hire and train a like employee. Rarely do you find enforceable employee based non-competes which exceed one (1) year in duration.
An NDA constitutes a legally binding agreement, albeit without the same level of scrutiny as a non-compete clause. It solely restricts the use of information rather than overall competition. Typically, the agreement will specify that the employer is entitled to injunctive relief in the event of a breach.
An "anti-raiding" restrictive covenant is “only reasonable, and thus enforceable, if it is (1) necessary to protect a legitimate business interest, (2) reasonably limited in time and space, and (3) consonant with the public interest.”
Restrictive Covenants, Explained This restricts how homeowners can manage and modify their land. Examples include restrictions on fence options, the type of animals allowed and the use of outbuildings, such as sheds.
The MNAA does not apply retroactively. That really should not come as a surprise to anyone. “Reaffirmation” of an existing noncompete may be considered a new agreement subject to the MNAA. But don't worry too much.
Under the MNAA, to be valid and enforceable a non-compete agreement must: Be in writing and signed by both the employer and the employee. Expressly state that the employee may consult with an attorney before signing. – at least ten business days before the employment begins.
