Non-Competition & Trade Secrets

Some employers require their employees to sign non-competition agreements, non-solicitation agreements, or non-disclosure agreements around trade secrets. Non-competition/non-solicitation clauses aim to restrict former employees from working for competing businesses or working with clients of the former employer for a defined period. 

Such “restrictive covenants” often impose serious barriers to employees attempting to find work in their fields following separation from employment. Such clauses may or may not be valid depending upon several factors set out in state employment laws.