This article provides an in-depth analysis of the enforceability of non-compete agreements against independent contractors in California. Bottom line: noncompete agreements with independent contractors are not legal in California.Non-compete agreements for independent contractors forbids them to work for your competition for a specific period after employment. A noncompete agreement would essentially block a contractor from landing another side job, even if you don't intend to hire them as an employee. Non compete clauses are allowed in California in specific instances described below and protection of confidential information is also fully allowed. Employee seeking to avoid a non-compete agreement may file a lawsuit in a California court, seeking a declaratory judgment invalidating the same provision". Never ever ever ever ever. As with many things, however, California is different. California law explicitly voids all non-compete agreements for employees and independent contractors. If you live in a U.S. state that recognizes non-competition agreements, the particulars of the contract may violate local, state, and federal laws.