Wisconsin Employee Agreement with Covenant not to Compete A Wisconsin Employee Agreement with Covenant not to Compete, also known as a non-compete agreement, is a legally binding contract that prohibits employees from engaging in or working for a competitor or starting a similar business within a specific time period and geographical area after leaving their current employment. This agreement is designed to protect the company's trade secrets, customer relations, and goodwill. In Wisconsin, there are different types of Employee Agreements with Covenants not to Compete, tailored to meet specific needs and circumstances. These include: 1. General Non-compete Agreements: These agreements prohibit employees from engaging in any business or working for a competitor or starting a similar business directly competing with their current employer. 2. Limited Non-compete Agreements: These agreements restrict employees from working for a competitor only within a specific geographic area or for a specified period after termination of employment. This type of agreement is more common when the employee's role is not directly involved in proprietary information or trade secrets. 3. Industry-Specific Non-compete Agreements: Certain industries, such as technology, healthcare, or finance, may have unique requirements based on the sensitive nature of their business operations. Industry-specific non-compete agreements may have additional provisions, such as non-solicitation of clients or non-disclosure of sensitive information. 4. Sale of Business Non-compete Agreements: In cases where an employee is involved in the sale of a business or acquisition, a non-compete agreement may be necessary to prevent the employee from exerting undue influence or diverting customers to a competing business after the transaction is completed. 5. Independent Contractor Non-compete Agreements: Companies working with independent contractors may require non-compete agreements to ensure that contractors do not use proprietary information learned during the engagement for their own commercial gain or to establish competing enterprises. Adhering to Wisconsin law, a valid and enforceable Employee Agreement with Covenant not to Compete must meet certain requirements, such as being reasonable, geographic scope, and protecting the employer's legitimate business interests. Courts will assess the reasonableness of these agreements on a case-by-case basis, considering factors like the nature of the employment, the employee's access to trade secrets, and the impact of the covenant on the employee's ability to find employment. It is crucial for both employers and employees to fully understand the terms and implications of a Wisconsin Employee Agreement with Covenant not to Compete before signing. Consulting legal counsel is strongly advised to ensure compliance with state laws and to protect the interests of both parties involved.