Contractors cannot be bound to a non-compete that exceeds the term of their contract. Non compete clauses are allowed in California in specific instances described below and protection of confidential information is also fully allowed.A noncompete agreement is a legally binding contract that prohibits an independent contractor from competing with the company who engaged it. Questions about noncompete clause agreements? This article provides an in-depth analysis of the enforceability of non-compete agreements against independent contractors in California. It was not easy for Dr. Kevin Trenberth to leave the United States. But everything changes in the fall of 2026 with the start of a new contract cycle with ESPN.