State laws, time and geographic restrictions, employee rank, and industry type are all things that must be considered when determining whether or not a non-compete agreement is enforceable and/or necessary.
However, certain factors can render a non-compete agreement unenforceable, such as if it is considered unreasonable in time or geographic scope, or if the reason for termination, such as the employer discontinuing a line of business, invalidates the agreement.
California is an outlier compared to most states; non-compete agreements are unenforceable. While employers can seek out other ways to protect confidential company information, a non-compete agreement will not accomplish those goals. Here's what you need to know about California non-compete enforceability.
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).
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.
Typically, a noncompete agreement prohibits you from working for a competitor until a set period has passed, but it may additionally ban you from completing the following actions: Starting your own company in the same industry. Contacting former customers.
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.
If you are unable to negotiate a compromise with your employer, you can preemptively challenge the non-compete agreement in court. You and your attorney can argue that: Geographic scope of the agreement exceeds the company's market presence.
To be enforceable, non-compete agreements in Texas must be reasonable and specific with regards to geographic area, the scope of activities, and the duration (i.e. how long the restriction lasts). A typical duration for non-competes in Texas is somewhere between six months and two years.
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.