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.
Confidentiality, NDAs, and exclusivity For instance, you may want to insert an exclusivity clause, which restricts the contractor's ability to work with other parties during the contract period. However, the contractor is under no obligation to sign this, and may opt to refuse.
You are bound by whatever conditions you agreed to in the non compete contract. You can leave the job and likely still practice in your given field. The most common restriction is one of distance. So you cannot leave your current company and go across the street to work for a competitor.
Although non-competes are banned by California law, you can still have robust protections for confidential information and trade secrets. These provisions are critical and should be tailored enough to avoid being considered “de facto” non-competes.
Yes, you read that right – independent contractors count, too. The rule, as passed, prohibits companies from entering into any new non-compete agreements that are not part of a bona fide sale of a business.
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.
Fortunately, it is unlawful for an employer to enforce non-compete agreements in California.
Add information about the parties involved. Describe the terms of the Non-Compete Agreement, such as the length and area of the restriction. If necessary, you can include a non-solicitation clause. Add a confidentiality clause.
Code §§ 16600, 16601, and 16602.5). The only exceptions are non-compete or restrictive covenants that fall within one of the narrow exemptions authorized by statute, all of which relate to the sale of the goodwill of a business, or of a substantial ownership stake in the business.