Non-compete provisions typically prohibit a former employee from working for a competitor for a period of time following the end of his employment. To be enforceable in Illinois, a non-compete agreement must be reasonably restricted in scope, geographic area, and duration.
Id. § 35(a). Finally, the amendment explicitly recognizes two limitations on its application. First, it only applies to agreements “entered into after the effective date” of the amendment (i.e., January 1, 2022) and is not retroactive.
Proving there was a breach of your employment contract is another way that you can defeat a non-compete agreement. If your employer did not fulfill the employment contract terms, they likely can't force you to stick to a non-compete agreement. This is known as a material breach.
Restrictions on non-compete and non-solicitation agreements To be valid, the employee must receive something of value in return, such as employment for at least 2 years after signing the agreement or other benefits. The agreement must not cause hardship on the employee.
compete agreement entered into on or after January 1, 2022, is void unless: The employee receives adequate consideration. The agreement is ancillary to a valid employment relationship. The agreement is no greater than is required for the protection of a legitimate business interest of the employer.
Illinois courts generally disfavor non-competes as a restraint of trade. However, Illinois courts enforce non-compete agreements if they are: Reasonable. Supported by adequate consideration.
Take a non-competitive job or role outside your current employer's specialty. Prove your employer breached the contract to invalidate the non-compete clause. Argue that the non-compete is overly restrictive or not enforceable. Negotiate or prove no legitimate business interests exist to uphold the agreement.
The 2.5 miles radius would be reasonable. However, Illinois courts will not enforce a non-compete unless the employee received "something of value" in return. This is usually considered to be at least two years of employment or other benefits.
Non-Competitive Activity at New Employer: One of the most straightforward ways to overcome a noncompete is by ensuring that your new role with a different employer is in a non-competitive capacity. If you're not engaging in activities that directly compete with your former employer's business, you may be in the clear.
Illinois prohibits non-compete agreements between an employer and low-wage employees, including non-competes that restrict a low- wage employee from performing work in a specified geographical area, and work for another employer that is similar to the employee's work for the employer that is party to the agreement (see ...