Non-Compete Agreement Lawyer in Sarasota

Experienced Counsel for Enforceable Contracts

Non-compete agreements are a common tool used by employers to protect their business interests. These agreements are designed to prevent employees from leaving the company, working for a competitor, or starting a competing business. Non-compete agreements can be an effective way to protect a business, but they must be carefully drafted to be enforceable.

At Violette Law Firm, we have extensive experience drafting, reviewing, and litigating non-compete agreements. If you need help with a non-compete agreement, we can provide the guidance you need.

Call today at (941) 365-6563 or fill out our online contact form. We offer appointments by phone, in person, or a virtual conversation. 

What Is a Non-Compete Agreement?

A non-compete agreement is a contract between an employer and an employee that restricts the employee from engaging in a competing business or working for a competitor for a certain period of time and within a certain geographic area. Non-compete agreements are typically used to protect a company’s trade secrets, confidential information, and customer relationships.

Non-compete agreements are often used in the following industries:

• Technology
• Healthcare
• Sales
• Manufacturing
• Finance
• Real estate

Non-compete agreements are also used when a business is sold. In these cases, the buyer may require the seller to sign a non-compete agreement to prevent the seller from starting a competing business.

What Is a Reasonable Non-Compete Agreement?

Whether a non-compete agreement is reasonable depends on the specific facts and circumstances of the case. In general, a non-compete agreement is more likely to be reasonable if it is narrowly tailored to protect the employer’s legitimate business interest.

For example, a non-compete agreement that restricts an employee from working for a competitor for ten years and within a 100-mile radius is likely to be unreasonable. On the other hand, a non-compete agreement that restricts an employee from working for a competitor for two years and within a 10-mile radius is more likely to be reasonable.

When determining whether a non-compete agreement is reasonable, a court will consider the following factors:

• The length of time the agreement is in effect
• The geographic area the agreement covers
• The line of business the agreement covers
• The employer’s legitimate business interest
• The employee’s job duties and responsibilities
• The employee’s access to the employer’s trade secrets, confidential information, and customer relationships

It is important to note that a non-compete agreement that is reasonable at the time it is signed may become unreasonable at a later date. For example, a non-compete agreement that is reasonable when the employee is hired may become unreasonable if the employee is promoted to a higher position with more job duties and responsibilities.

If you are interested in incorporating this type of agreement into an employee’s contract, Violette Law Firm can help. Call (941) 365-6563 today or fill out our online contact form to speak to a knowledgeable non-compete agreement lawyer in Sarasota. We offer appointments by phone, in person, or a virtual conversation.