Consult an Attorney Before Signing a Non-Compete
Before you sign a non-competition agreement or ask an employee to sign one, you need to know whether that agreement is enforceable in the case of an eventual dispute. Contrary to popular belief, these agreements are almost always enforceable in Minnesota.
I'm Minneapolis attorney Lee Watson, and I have extensive experience counseling clients on non-competition agreements and representing them in disputes over these covenants. If you are looking to consult a lawyer who is knowledgeable about these issues, contact me today.
Getting the Facts About Enforceability of Non-Competition Agreements
Many people believe it is "safe" to sign a non-competition agreement in Minnesota because they assume or have been told that these agreements cannot be enforced. These beliefs are based on a major misconception about the current state of the law.
Non-competition agreements are enforceable in Minnesota. If you sign a non-competition agreement, it is possible that it will be enforced against you.
It is certainly true that non-competition agreements are not always enforced. Minnesota law says these agreements should be scrutinized carefully. When disputes over non-competition agreements end up in court, they may not be enforced or may only partially be enforced.
If you are involved in a dispute over a non-competition agreement that you didn't realize was enforceable when you signed it, I can help you understand your options.
Understanding the Functions and Limits of These Agreements
A non-competition agreement is a restrictive covenant that is signed before or during employment, restricting the employee's potential activities after employment.
These agreements allow companies to invest in giving their employees valuable training and experience with the expectation of receiving the benefits of those investments. They also serve to protect the goodwill the employee has created with specific customers or customer accounts.
However, certain provisions in non-competition agreements can be unfair to employees and may not be enforceable. Whether you are an employee or employer, I can help you determine whether your current agreements are fair and enforceable.
Contact me or read this article to learn more about the implications and consequences of non-competition agreements in Minnesota.
