Does a non-compete hold up if you are laid off in Texas? In Texas, the enforceability of a non-compete does not change if you are laid off. Its validity depends on factors like consideration given, such as sharing of trade secrets, not just employment.
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).
While Texas courts generally disfavor non-compete agreements, they will enforce a non-compete covenant if it is executed for valid consideration, contains reasonable geographic, temporal, and activity restrictions, and protects the employer's legitimate business interests.
On August 20, 2024, a Texas federal court ruled that the FTC's final rule banning most non-compete agreements (the “Non-Compete Rule”) cannot go into effect as scheduled.
In other words, a non-compete agreement remains in force whether the employee quit, was fired, or laid off. However, the reason for termination can be a factor when seeking to enforce a non-compete.
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.
Yes. Texas is a very pro-employer state, and employers can legally propose non-compete agreements to employees. However, that doesn't mean that there aren't any limitations—there are. Only four states have completely banned non-competes altogether: California, Oklahoma, Minnesota, and North Dakota.
Federal judge tosses U.S. ban on noncompetes A federal judge in Texas has struck down the government's ban on noncompetes. An estimated 30 million U.S. workers are subject to the employment agreements.
While Texas courts generally disfavor non-compete agreements, they will enforce a non-compete covenant if it is executed for valid consideration, contains reasonable geographic, temporal, and activity restrictions, and protects the employer's legitimate business interests.
Texas law disfavors but allows non-compete agreements as long as they aren't unduly burdensome or unreasonable. They must be reasonable as to duration, scope, and geographic area. The geographic area clause of that non-compete is more than likely unenforceable, but the duration and scope seem reasonable.