If you are starting a new job and your employer is requiring you to sign a non-compete agreement, it is important to understand what this agreement entails. Continue reading to learn more about non-compete agreements and what makes a non-compete agreement valid and enforceable. For further assistance, reach out to our experienced employment law attorney who can walk you through the process ahead. Our legal team is prepared to assist you with any employment law matters.
WHAT IS A NON-COMPETE AGREEMENT?
A non-compete agreement is a legal agreement that binds a current and former employee from competing with an employer for a time period after employment ceases. The employee must not reveal any trade secrets learned during employment.
The main reason behind requiring employees to sign a non-compete agreement is that the employer does not want their employees to learn inside information or strategies and use that information to benefit another competing company.
WHAT MAKES A NON-COMPETE AGREEMENT VALID AND ENFORCEABLE?
It is required for a non-compete agreement to meet the following standards to be considered valid and enforceable:
- Reasonableness: A non-compete agreement should cover only certain geographical regions. They should generally only be valid for a certain period of time.
- Consideration: The employer who is requiring this non-compete agreement to be signed will have to give the employee something of value in exchange for the promise to abide by the terms of the agreement such as a regular paycheck.
- Valid Business Interest: For an employer to ask an employee to sign such an agreement, that employer must have a valid business interest, meaning they might be looking to protect trade secrets, private company information, and more. If you have been asked to sign a non-compete agreement without a valid reason, you may be able to work to have it overturned with the assistance of an experienced attorney.
If the non-compete agreement that you have signed does not meet the above standards, it is important that you retain the services of an experienced employment law attorney. Our legal team at Ben Barret Law will work to protect your rights as an employee. To learn more about our services and how we can assist you, reach out to our firm today.
CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED GEORGIA FIRM
If you need help with an employment law matter in the state of Georgia, you can count on Ben Barrett Law to effectively represent your interests. With over 30 years of experience, Attorney Barrett has the skill and experience necessary to help you navigate the complexities of any employment law matter you may be facing. To discuss your case with a legal team you can trust, please do not hesitate to contact Ben Barrett Law today.
