South Dakota Employee Agreement with Covenant not to Compete is a legal contract between an employer and employee in the state of South Dakota that restricts the employee from competing against the employer's business interests in a specific period of time and within a certain geographical area. The purpose of such an agreement is to protect the employer's proprietary information, trade secrets, and customer relationships. In South Dakota, there are two types of Employee Agreements with Covenants not to Compete: Standard Non-Compete Agreements and Sale of Business Non-Compete Agreements. 1. Standard Non-Compete Agreements: This type of agreement is typically used when an employee is hired or offered a promotion within a company. It prohibits the employee from engaging in a similar business or occupation that directly competes with the employer's business within a specific radius of the employer's location(s) for a specified timeframe. The geographical area and duration of the non-compete clause must be reasonable and not overly restrictive to be enforceable in South Dakota. 2. Sale of Business Non-Compete Agreements: This type of agreement is utilized when an employee is involved in the sale or acquisition of a business. It prevents the employee from starting a competing business or working for a competitor for a set period of time following the sale or acquisition. The geographical area and duration of the non-compete clause in this type of agreement may be broader than in standard non-compete agreements to protect the buyer's investment and goodwill. It is important to note that South Dakota courts carefully evaluate the reasonableness of non-compete agreements to ensure they do not unduly restrict an employee's ability to find employment or pursue their career. Courts consider factors such as the duration and geographical scope of the restrictive covenant, the employee's access to trade secrets or confidential information, and the overall impact on the employee's livelihood. Employee Agreements with Covenants not to Compete are commonly used in industries where protectable interests exist, such as technology, sales, healthcare, research, and professional services. Employers use these agreements to safeguard their investment in employee training, client base, intellectual property, and overall competitive advantage. In summary, South Dakota Employee Agreement with Covenant not to Compete is a legal contract that limits an employee's ability to compete with the employer's business within a specific geographical area and timeframe. It aims to protect the employer's proprietary interests and trade secrets. Different types of Employee Agreements with Covenants not to Compete in South Dakota include Standard Non-Compete Agreements and Sale of Business Non-Compete Agreements, each serving distinct purposes and enforceability criteria.