Under Ohio law, noncompetition contracts are generally enforceable if they are reasonable. The question of what's reasonable is a very fact-specific one though. It depends on the particular circumstances of a given situation, and the Ohio Supreme Court has set out a legal test for courts to apply.
Several factors can void or limit the enforceability of a non-compete agreement, including overly broad restrictions, unreasonable time frames or geographical limits, lack of consideration (such as compensation or job opportunities provided in exchange for the agreement), and violation of public policy.
Yes, if you have signed one with your employer. However, non-compete clauses are operable only for a reasonable period of time only even if the clause mentions otherwise.
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. Utilizing skills you learned on the job.
The ban covers all non-competes for U.S. workers (including employees and independent contractors) with limited carve-outs, and is subject to certain exceptions based on the FTC's statutory authority.
Even workers labeled as “independent contractors”—who should have the freedom to work for multiple clients—are often required to sign non-competes that limit where they can work. Employers often present non-competes as a “take it or leave it” contract, forcing workers either to sign or forego employment.
The exceptions to the rule pertain to existing agreements with senior executives, sale-of-business non-competes, and causes of action that accrue before the rule's effective date of September 4, 2024.
If an independent contractor violates a non-compete agreement, the company that issued the non-compete contract may take legal action against them. They can file a lawsuit seeking damages, a court injunction prohibiting the worker from engaging in competitive activities, or both.
Several factors can void or limit the enforceability of a non-compete agreement, including overly broad restrictions, unreasonable time frames or geographical limits, lack of consideration (such as compensation or job opportunities provided in exchange for the agreement), and violation of public policy.
California's Noncompetition Law Does Not Mention Employees The employment context is included within this definition. So are independent contractors. To state this another way: California' noncompete law is not limited to employees. It applies to any contract.