General Non-Compete Agreement (Individual)

Protecting proprietary business interests and client relationships is a top priority for any firm advising commercial clients. This template provides a foundational Non-Compete Agreement to be used with an individual employee or contractor. It helps firms efficiently draft post-employment restrictions, securing the client's business advantages. Using this professional template can ensure clarity in restrictive covenants, which is essential for maximizing the agreement’s enforceability and protecting business value.

Non-Compete Agreements are highly jurisdictional and subject to intense scrutiny by state courts. Many states (like California, North Dakota, and Oklahoma) severely restrict or void them entirely, while others (like Florida and Texas) are generally more permissive but require reasonableness in scope, duration, and geography. This general template must be substantially modified to comply with the specific case law and statutes of the state that governs the contract. Attorneys must advise clients on the high risk of unenforceability in many jurisdictions.

This is a contract designed to restrict an individual (typically an employee or contractor) from engaging in a competing business or activity for a specified period within a defined geographic area after their employment ends. The Non-Compete Agreement template includes clauses defining the restricted activities, the scope of the prohibition, and the duration and geographical limits. It serves as a general framework for attorneys advising business clients on protecting trade secrets and client goodwill.