US FTC Rule Banning Non-Competes. On April 23, 2024, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission voted 3-2 to finalize and promulgate a rule banning most non-compete clauses in employer-employee contracts.
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.
A noncompete is unenforceable if it restricts an employee's ability to exercise their rights under federal law. No employer may enter into a covenant not to compete or a covenant not to solicit with any employee. Existing noncompetes are void and unenforceable, including out-of-state noncompetes.
NOTE: On April 23, 2024, the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) issued a rule banning most non-compete agreements in the United States.
US FTC Rule Banning Non-Competes. On April 23, 2024, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission voted 3-2 to finalize and promulgate a rule banning most non-compete clauses in employer-employee contracts.
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.