Noncompetes are unlawful in California and only enforceable in certain situations. Read our complete guide to know your rights.It's highly advisable to speak with an experienced employment attorney regarding any California noncompete agreements BEFORE you sign. Common law in the United States treats non-compete agreements as generally enforceable, but subject to certain limitations and requirements. This Non-Compete Agreement is an agreement between two parties in which one party acknowledges not to compete with the latter for a limited period of time. A California court won't enforce it, but there will be an issue if you are first sued in New York. The best approach is often to file first in California. Fill it up smartly and sign digitally. My former employer has a non compete of 5 mile radius. However they have 3 separate locations in a single metropolitan area.