[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":530},["ShallowReactive",2],{"document-employee-non-compete-agreement-D537":3},{"document":4,"label":26,"preview":11,"thumb":27,"description":5,"descriptionCustom":6,"apiDescription":5,"pages":8,"extension":10,"parents":28,"breadcrumb":32,"related":38,"customDescModule":177,"customdescription":6,"mdFm":178,"mdProseHtml":529},{"description":5,"descriptionCustom":6,"label":7,"pages":8,"size":9,"extension":10,"preview":11,"thumb":12,"svgFrame":13,"seoMetadata":14,"parents":15,"keywords":25},"EMPLOYEE NON-COMPETE AGREEMENT This Employee Non-Compete Agreement (the \"Agreement\") is made and effective this [Date], BETWEEN: [EMPLOYEE NAME] (the \"Employee\"), an individual with his main address at: [COMPLETE ADDRESS] AND: [YOUR COMPANY NAME] (the \"Company\"), a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the [State/Province] of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [YOUR COMPLETE ADDRESS] COVENANT NOT TO COMPETE For good consideration and as an inducement for Company to employ Employee, if such employment is terminated for any cause, employee shall not, for a period of [TIME PERIOD] years after leaving the employment, engage directly or indirectly, either personally or as an employee, associate partner, partner, manager, agent, or otherwise, or by means of any corporate or other device, in the [type of enterprise] business within [GEOGRAPHICAL AREA] [if appropriate, add: nor shall employee for such period and in such localities solicit orders, directly or indirectly, from any customers of Company, or from any customers of its successor, for such products as are sold by Company or its successor, either for (himself or herself) or as an employee of any person, firm, or corporation]. DEFINITION OF THE TERMS The term \"not compete\" as used herein shall mean that the Employee shall not own, manage, operate, consult or to be employed in a business substantially similar to, or competitive with, the present business of the Company or such other business activity in which the Company may substantially engage during the term of employment. Competition means owning or working for a business of the following type: [specify type of business employee may not engage in]. TRADE SECRETS The Employee acknowledges that the Company shall or may in reliance of this agreement provide Employee access to trade secrets, customers and other confidential data and good will",null,"Employee Non-Compete Agreement","2",35,"doc","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/1000px/employee-non-compete-agreement-D537.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/537.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/svgs/docviewerWebApp1.html?v6#537.xml",{"title":6,"description":6},[16,19,22],{"label":17,"url":18},"Human Resources","/templates/human-resources/",{"label":20,"url":21},"Hire an Employee","/templates/hire-employee/",{"label":23,"url":24},"Legal Agreements","/templates/business-legal-agreements/","employee non compete agreement","Employee Non-Compete Agreement Template","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/400px/537.png",[29,16,19,22],{"label":30,"url":31},"Templates","/templates/",[33,34,35],{"label":30,"url":31},{"label":23,"url":24},{"label":36,"url":37},"Employment & Contractors","/templates/employment-and-contractors/",[39,43,47,51,55,59,63,67,71,75,79,83,87,104,120,135,150,164],{"label":40,"url":41,"thumb":42,"extension":10},"Non-Disclosure and Non-Compete Agreement","/template/non-disclosure-and-non-compete-agreement-D552","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/552.png",{"label":44,"url":45,"thumb":46,"extension":10},"General Non-Compete Agreement","/template/general-non-compete-agreement-D882","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/882.png",{"label":48,"url":49,"thumb":50,"extension":10},"Employee Non Disclosure Agreement","/template/employee-non-disclosure-agreement-D538","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/538.png",{"label":52,"url":53,"thumb":54,"extension":10},"Non-Profit Partnership Agreement","/template/non-profit-partnership-agreement-D14023","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/14023.png",{"label":56,"url":57,"thumb":58,"extension":10},"Employment Agreement For Technical Employee","/template/employment-agreement-for-technical-employee-D540","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/540.png",{"label":60,"url":61,"thumb":62,"extension":10},"Employment Agreement Key Employee","/template/employment-agreement-key-employee-D546","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/546.png",{"label":64,"url":65,"thumb":66,"extension":10},"Non Solicitation Agreement","/template/non-solicitation-agreement-D13849","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/13849.png",{"label":68,"url":69,"thumb":70,"extension":10},"Employee Matters Agreement","/template/employee-matters-agreement-D13010","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/13010.png",{"label":72,"url":73,"thumb":74,"extension":10},"License Agreement Non Exclusive and Non Transferable_Royalties","/template/license-agreement-non-exclusive-and-non-transferable-royalties-D1026","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/1026.png",{"label":76,"url":77,"thumb":78,"extension":10},"Non-Disturbance Agreement","/template/non-disturbance-agreement-D5213","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/5213.png",{"label":80,"url":81,"thumb":82,"extension":10},"Employee Reference Release Agreement","/template/employee-reference-release-agreement-D674","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/674.png",{"label":84,"url":85,"thumb":86,"extension":10},"Mutual Non-Disclosure Agreement","/template/mutual-non-disclosure-agreement-D955","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/955.png",{"description":88,"descriptionCustom":6,"label":89,"pages":90,"size":91,"extension":10,"preview":92,"thumb":93,"svgFrame":94,"seoMetadata":95,"parents":97,"keywords":96,"url":103},"NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT (NDA) This Non-Disclosure Agreement (the \"Agreement\") is made and effective [DATE], BETWEEN: [YOUR COMPANY NAME] (the \"Disclosing Party\"), a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the [State/Province] of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [YOUR COMPLETE ADDRESS] AND: [RECEIVING PARTY NAME] (the \"Receiving Party\"), an individual with his main address located at OR a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the [State/Province] of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [COMPLETE ADDRESS] WHEREAS, Receiving Party has been or will be engaged in the performance of work on [DESCRIBE]; and in connection therewith will be given access to certain confidential and proprietary information; and WHEREAS, Receiving Party and Disclosing Party wish to evidence by this Agreement the manner in which said confidential and proprietary material will be treated. NOW, THEREFORE, it is agreed as follows: NON-DISCLOSURE OF CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION Both Parties understand and agree that each Party may have access to the confidential information of the other party. For the purposes of this Agreement, \"Confidential Information\" means proprietary and confidential information about the Disclosing Party's (or it's suppliers') business or activities. Such information includes all business, financial, technical, and other information marked or designated by such Party as \"confidential\" or \"proprietary.\" Confidential Information also includes information which, by the nature of the circumstances surrounding the disclosure, ought in good faith to be treated as confidential. For the purposes of this Agreement, Confidential Information does not include: Information that is currently in the public domain or that enters the public domain after the signing of this Agreement. Information a Party lawfully receives from a third Party without restriction on disclosure and without breach of a non-disclosure obligation. Information that the Receiving Party knew prior to receiving any Confidential Information from the Disclosing Party. Information that the Receiving Party independently develops without reliance on any Confidential Information from the Disclosing Party. Each Party agrees that it will not disclose to any third Party or use any Confidential Information disclosed to it by the other Party except when expressly permitted in writing by the other Party. Each Party also agrees that it will take all reasonable measures to maintain the confidentiality of all Confidential Information of the other Party in its possession or control. TERM The term of this Agreement is [number] of [years/months] from the date of execution by both Parties. TITLE The Receiving Party agrees that all Confidential Information furnished by the Disclosing Party shall remain the sole property of the Disclosing Party. DISCLAIMER","Non Disclosure Agreement Nda","3",513,"https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/1000px/non-disclosure-agreement-nda-D12692.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/12692.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/svgs/docviewerWebApp1.html?v6#12692.xml",{"title":96,"description":6},"non disclosure agreement nda",[98,100],{"label":23,"url":99},"business-legal-agreements",{"label":101,"url":102},"Confidentiality Agreements","confidentiality-agreement","/template/non-disclosure-agreement-nda-D12692",{"description":105,"descriptionCustom":6,"label":106,"pages":107,"size":91,"extension":10,"preview":108,"thumb":109,"svgFrame":110,"seoMetadata":111,"parents":113,"keywords":112,"url":119},"EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT - AT WILL EMPLOYEE This Employment Agreement for \"At Will\" Employee (the \"Agreement\") is made and effective this [DATE], BETWEEN: [EMPLOYEE NAME] (the \"Employee\"), an individual with his main address at: [COMPLETE ADDRESS] AND: [YOUR COMPANY NAME] (the \"Corporation\"), an entity organized and existing under the laws of the [State/Province] of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [YOUR COMPLETE ADDRESS] RECITALS In consideration of the covenants and agreements herein contained and the moneys to be paid hereunder, the Corporation hereby employs the Employee and the Employee hereby agrees to perform services as an employee of the Corporation, on an \"at will\" basis, upon the following terms and conditions: APPOINTMENT The Employee is hereby employed by the Corporation to render such services and to perform such tasks as may be assigned by the Corporation. The Corporation may, in its sole discretion, increase or reduce the duties, or modify the title and job description, of the Employee from time to time, and any such increase, reduction or modification shall not be deemed a termination of this Agreement. ACCEPTANCE OF EMPLOYMENT Employee accepts employment with the Corporation upon the terms set forth above and agrees to devote all Employee's time, energy and ability to the interests of the Corporation, and to perform Employee's duties in an efficient, trustworthy and business-like manner. DEVOTION OF TIME TO EMPLOYMENT The Employee shall devote the Employee's best efforts and substantially all of the Employee's working time to performing the duties on behalf of the Corporation. The Employee shall provide services during the hours that are scheduled by the Corporation management. The Employee shall be prompt in reporting to work at the assigned time. NO CONFLICT OF INTEREST Employee shall not engage in any other business while employed by the Corporation. Employee shall not engage in any activity that conflicts with the Employees duties to the Corporation. Employee shall not provide any service or lend any aid or assistance to any party that competes with the services offered by the Corporation. Employee shall not provide any services to clients or prospective clients of the Corporation outside of the provision of services for the Corporation, whether such services are provided with or without compensation or remuneration. CORPORATION PROPERTY Employee acknowledges and agrees that while employed by the Corporation the Employee may be provided with use of computer equipment and other property of the Corporation. The use and possession of the such items shall be subject to any policies, requirements or restrictions established by the Corporation. Such items may only be used in performance of the Employee's duties for the corporation. On request of the Corporation, the Employee shall immediately deliver any such items to the Corporation. Upon termination of employment, Employee shall have the affirmative duty to return any such item to the Corporation whether a request is made or not. The obligation to return Corporation property shall extend and include any and all work product, client property, proprietary rights, intangible property, and all other property of the corporation regardless of the form or medium. COMPENSATION The Corporation shall pay the Employee such hourly compensation as determined by the Corporation. Payment shall be at the same time as the Corporations usual payroll to other employees. BONUS & BENEFITS Payment of any bonuses shall be at the complete discretion of the Corporation. No guarantee or representation that any bonuses will be paid has been made to the Employee. Standard benefits that are provided to other non-management employees shall be offered to the Employee, subject to the Corporation's policies and the terms and conditions of such benefits. WITHHOLDING All sums payable to Employee under this Agreement will be reduced by all federal, state, local, and other withholdings and similar taxes and payments required by applicable law. QUALIFICATIONS OF EMPLOYEE The employee shall satisfy all of the qualification that are established by the Corporation. TERM OF AGREEMENT There shall be no guaranteed term of employment. Employer acknowledges and agrees that Employee shall be an \"At Will\" Employee and that Employee's employment may be terminated at any time by the Corporation, with or without cause. FEES FROM EMPLOYEE'S WORK The Corporation shall have exclusive authority to determine the fees, or a procedure for establishing the fees, to be charged to clients by the Corporation for services that are provided by the Employee. All sums paid to the Employee or the Corporation in the way of fees, in cash or in kind, or otherwise for services of the Employee, shall, except as otherwise specifically agreed by the Corporation, be and remain the property of the Corporation and shall be included in the Corporation's name in such checking account or accounts as the Corporation may from time to time designate. CLIENTS AND CLIENT RECORDS The Corporation shall have the authority to determine who will be accepted as clients of the Corporation, and the Employee recognizes that such clients accepted are clients of the Corporation and not the Employee. All client records and files of any type concerning clients of the Corporation shall belong to and remain the property of the Corporation, notwithstanding the subsequent termination of the employment. POLICIES AND PROCEDURES The Corporation shall have the authority to establish from time to time the policies and procedures to be followed by the Employee in performing services for the Corporation. This may include, but is not necessarily limited to, employment policies, computer use policies, Internet access policies, email policies, and all other policies, procedures, directives, and mandates established by the Corporation, whether or not in written form or formally adopted. Employee shall abide by the provisions of any contract entered into by the Corporation under which the Employee provides services. Employee shall comply with the terms and conditions of any and all contracts entered by the Corporation. TERMINATION Employee acknowledges and agrees that Employee is an \"at will\" employee of the Corporation. As such, no term of employment is created hereby and employee may be terminated at any time in the sole discretion of the Corporation, whether there exists any cause for termination or not. CREATIONS AND INVENTIONS Employee acknowledges and agrees that any and all work product of the Employee that is conceived or created during the Employee's employment with the Corporation is the exclusive property of the Corporation. This shall include any and all copyrights, trade secrets, confidential information, patents, trademarks, trade dress, ideas, concepts, plans, business plans, business concepts, techniques, inventions, drawings, artwork, logos, graphics, web pages, databases, software, programs, CGI's, plug ins, applications, brochures, inventions, marketing plans and concepts, and all other ideas and work product of the Employee. The Employee acknowledges and agrees that all creations shall be \"works made for hire\" as defined in the [ACT OR CODE]. Notwithstanding the fact that this material may be considered to be a work made for hire, Employee agrees, during Employee's employment and thereafter, which covenant shall survive any termination of the employment relationship, to execute any and all documents requested by the Corporation to confirm the Corporation's ownership and control of all such material, including but not limited to assignments of copyright, confirmations of work for hire status, waivers of proprietary rights, copyright application, and any other documents requested by Corporation. RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS","Employment Agreement_At Will Employee","7","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/1000px/employment-agreement_at-will-employee-D541.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/541.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/svgs/docviewerWebApp1.html?v6#541.xml",{"title":112,"description":6},"employment agreement_at will employee",[114,116,118],{"label":17,"url":115},"human-resources",{"label":20,"url":117},"hire-employee",{"label":23,"url":99},"/template/employment-agreement_at-will-employee-D541",{"description":121,"descriptionCustom":6,"label":122,"pages":123,"size":124,"extension":10,"preview":125,"thumb":126,"svgFrame":127,"seoMetadata":128,"parents":129,"keywords":133,"url":134},"INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR AGREEMENT This Independent Contractor Agreement (\"Agreement\") is made and effective [Date], BETWEEN: [INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR NAME] (the \"Independent Contractor\"), a company organized and existing under the laws of the [State/Province] of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [COMPLETE ADDRESS] AND: [YOUR COMPANY NAME] (the \"Company\"), a company organized and existing under the laws of the [State/Province] of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [YOUR COMPLETE ADDRESS] RECITALS Independent Contractor is engaged in providing [Describe] business services, its Employer Tax I.D. Number is [Insert], and its Business License Number is [insert]. Independent Contractor has complied with all Federal, State, and local laws regarding business permits, sales permits, licenses, reporting requirements, tax withholding requirements, and other legal requirements of any kind that may be required to carry out said business and the Scope of Work which is to be performed as an Independent Contractor pursuant to this Agreement. Independent Contractor is or remains open to conducting similar tasks or activities for clients other than the Company and holds themselves out to the public to be a separate business entity. Company desires to engage and contract for the services of the Independent Contractor to perform certain tasks as set forth below. Independent Contractor desires to enter into this Agreement and perform as an independent contractor for the company and is willing to do so on the terms and conditions set forth below. NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the above recitals and the mutual promises and conditions contained in this Agreement, the Parties agree as follows: TERMS This Agreement shall be effective commencing [Date], and shall continue until terminated at the completion of the Scope of Work which shall occur no later than [Date] or by either party as otherwise provided herein. STATUS OF INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR This Agreement does not constitute a hiring by either party. It is the parties intentions that Independent Contractor shall have an independent contractor status and not be an employee for any purposes, including, but not limited to, [laws]. Independent Contractor shall retain sole and absolute discretion in the manner and means of carrying out their activities and responsibilities under this Agreement. This Agreement shall not be considered or construed to be a partnership or joint venture, and the Company shall not be liable for any obligations incurred by Independent Contractor unless specifically authorized in writing. Independent Contractor shall not act as an agent of the Company, ostensibly or otherwise, nor bind the Company in any manner, unless specifically authorized to do so in writing. TASKS, DUTIES, AND SCOPE OF WORK Independent Contractor agrees to devote as much time, attention, and energy as necessary to complete or achieve the following: [Describe]. The above to be referred to in this Agreement as the \"Scope of Work\". It is expected that the Scope of Work will completed by [Date]. Independent Contractor shall additionally perform any and all tasks and duties associated with the Scope of Work set forth above, including but not limited to, work being performed already or related change orders. Independent Contractor shall not be entitled to engage in any activities which are not expressly set forth by this Agreement. The books and records related to the Scope of Work set forth in this Agreement shall be maintained by the Independent Contractor at the Independent Contractor's principal place of business and open to inspection by Company during regular working hours. Documents to which Company will be entitled to inspect include, but are not limited to, any and all contract documents, change orders/purchase orders and work authorized by Independent Contractor or Company on existing or potential projects related to this Agreement. Independent Contractor shall be responsible to the management and directors of Company, but Independent Contractor will not be required to follow or establish a regular or daily work schedule. Supply all necessary equipment, materials and supplies. Independent Contractor will not rely on the equipment or offices of Company for completion of tasks and duties set forth pursuant to this Agreement. Any advice given Independent Contractors regarding the scope of work shall be considered a suggestion only, not an instruction. Company retains the right to inspect, stop, or alter the work of Independent Contractor to assure its conformity with this Agreement. ASSURANCE OF SERVICES Independent Contractor will assure that the following individuals (the \"Key Employees\") will be available to perform, and will perform, the Services hereunder until they are completed (identify by title and name as applicable): [Name of Key Employee, Title] [Name of Key Employee, Title] The Key Employees may be changed only with the prior written approval of the Company, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. COMPENSATION Independent Contractor shall be entitled to compensation for performing those tasks and duties related to the Scope of Work as follows: [Describe] Such compensation shall become due and payable to Independent Contractor in the following time, place, and manner: [Describe] NOTICE CONCERNING WITHHOLDING OF TAXES Independent Contractor recognizes and understands that it will receive a [specify tax] statement and related tax statements, and will be required to file corporate and/or individual tax returns and to pay taxes in accordance with all provisions of applicable Federal and State law. Independent Contractor hereby promises and agrees to indemnify the Company for any damages or expenses, including attorney's fees, and legal expenses, incurred by the Company as a result of independent contractor's failure to make such required payments. AGREEMENT TO WAIVE RIGHTS TO BENEFITS Independent Contractor hereby waives and foregoes the right to receive any benefits given by Company to its regular employees, including, but not limited to, health benefits, vacation and sick leave benefits, profit sharing plans, etc. This waiver is applicable to all non-salary benefits which might otherwise be found to accrue to the Independent Contractor by virtue of their services to Company, and is effective for the entire duration of Independent Contractor's agreement with Company. This waiver is effective independently of Independent Contractor's employment status as adjudged for taxation purposes or for any other purpose. Neither this Agreement, nor any duties or obligations under this Agreement may be assigned by either party without the consent of the other. TERMINATION This Agreement may be terminated prior to the completion or achievement of the Scope of Work by either party giving [number] days written notice. Such termination shall not prejudice any other remedy to which the terminating party may be entitled, either by law, in equity, or under this Agreement. NON-DISCLOSURE OF TRADE SECRETS, CUSTOMER LISTS AND OTHER PROPRIETARY INFORMATION Independent Contractor agrees not to disclose or communicate, in any manner, either during or after Independent Contractor's agreement with Company, information about Company, its operations, clientele, or any other information, that relate to the business of Company including, but not limited to, the names of its customers, its marketing strategies, operations, or any other information of any kind which would be deemed confidential, a trade secret, a customer list, or other form of proprietary information of Company. Independent Contractor acknowledges that the above information is material and confidential and that it affects the profitability of Company. ","Independent Contractor Agreement","6",62,"https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/1000px/independent-contractor-agreement-D160.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/160.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/svgs/docviewerWebApp1.html?v6#160.xml",{"title":6,"description":6},[130],{"label":131,"url":132},"Consultant & Contractors","consulting-contractor-business","independent contractor agreement","/template/independent-contractor-agreement-D160",{"description":136,"descriptionCustom":6,"label":137,"pages":138,"size":139,"extension":10,"preview":140,"thumb":141,"svgFrame":142,"seoMetadata":143,"parents":144,"keywords":148,"url":149},"EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT FOR AN EXECUTIVE This Employment Agreement for an Executive (the \"Agreement\") is made and effective this [Date], BETWEEN: [EXECUTIVE NAME] (the \"Executive\"), an individual with his main address at: AND: [COMPANY NAME] (the \"Company\"), an entity organized and existing under the laws of the [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: Recitals In consideration of the covenants and agreements herein contained and the moneys to be paid hereunder, the Company hereby employs the Executive and the Executive hereby agrees to perform services as an Executive of the Company, upon the following terms and conditions: TERM The Company hereby employs Executive to serve as [position] and to serve in such additional or different position or positions as the Company may determine in its sole discretion. The term of employment shall be for a period of [NUMBER] years (\"Employment Period\") to commence on [DATE], unless earlier terminated as set forth herein. The effective date of this Agreement shall be the date first set forth above, and it shall continue in effect until the earlier of: The effective date of any subsequent employment agreement between the Company and the Executive; The effective date of any termination of employment as provided elsewhere herein; or [NUMBER] year(s) from the effective date hereof, provided, that this Employment Agreement shall automatically renew for successive periods of [NUMBER] years each unless either party gives written notice to other that it does not wish to automatically renew this Agreement, which written notice must be received by the other party no less than [NUMBER] days and no more than [NUMBER] days prior to the expiration of the applicable term. Duties and Responsibilities Executive will be reporting to [IDENTIFY]. Within the limitations established by the By-laws of the Company, the Executive shall have each and all of the duties and responsibilities of that position and such other or different duties on behalf of the Company, as may be assigned from time to time by [identify what person or body may assign additional responsibilities]. Location The initial principal location at which Executive shall perform services for the Company shall be [location]. Acceptance of Employment Executive accepts employment with the Company upon the terms set forth above and agrees to devote all Executive's time, energy and ability to the interests of the Company, and to perform Executive's duties in an efficient, trustworthy and business-like manner. Devotion of Time to Employment The Executive shall devote the Executive's best efforts and substantially all of the Executive's working time to performing the duties on behalf of the Company. The Executive shall provide services during the normal business hours of the Company as determined by the Company. Reasonable amounts of time may be allotted to personal or outside business, charitable and professional activities and shall not constitute a violation of this Agreement provided such activities do not materially interfere with the services required to be rendered hereunder. QUALIFICATIONS The Executive shall, as a condition of this Agreement, satisfy all of the qualification that are reasonably and in good faith established by the Board of Directors. Compensation Base Salary Executive shall be paid a base salary (\"Base Salary\") at the annual rate of [salary], payable in bi-weekly installments consistent with Company's payroll practices. The annual Base Salary shall be reviewed on or before [DATE] of each year, unless Executive's employment hereunder shall have been terminated earlier pursuant to this Agreement, starting on [agreed upon date] by the Board of Directors of the Company to determine if such Base Salary should be increased for the following year in recognition of services to the Company. In consideration of the services under this Agreement, Executive shall be paid the aggregate of basic compensation, bonus and benefits as hereinafter set forth. Payment Payment of all compensation to Executive hereunder shall be made in accordance with the relevant Company policies in effect from time to time, including normal payroll practices. Bonus From time to time, the Company may pay to Executive a bonus out of net revenues of the Company. Payment of any bonus compensation shall be at the sole discretion of the Board of Directors or the Executive committee of the Board of Directors and the Executive shall have no entitlement to such amount absent a decision by the Company as aforesaid to make such bonus compensation. Executive shall also be entitled to a bonus determined as follows: [DESCRIBE] Benefits The Company shall provide Executive with such benefits as are provided to other senior management Of the Company. Benefits shall include at a minimum (i) paid vacation of [NUMBER] days per year, at such times as approved by the Board of Directors, (ii) health insurance coverage under the same terms as offered to other Executives of the Company, (iii) retirement and profit sharing programs as offered to other Executives of the Company, (iv) paid holidays as per the Company's policies, and (v) such other benefits and perquisites as are approved by the Board of Directors. The Company has the right to modify conditions of participation, terminate any benefit, or change insurance plans and other providers of such benefits in its sole discretion. The Executive shall be reimbursed for out of pocket expenses that are pre-approved by the Company, subject to the Company's policies and procedures therefore, and only for such items that are a necessary and integral part of the Executive's job functions. NonDeductible Compensation In the event a deduction shall be disallowed by the Internal Revenue Service or a court of competent jurisdiction for federal income tax purposes for all or any part of the payment made to Executive by the Company or any other shareholder or Executive of the Company, shall be required by the Internal Revenue Service to pay a deficiency on account of such disallowance, then Executive shall repay to the Company or such other individual required to make such payment, an amount equal to the tax imposed on the disallowed portion of such payment, plus any and all interest and penalties paid with respect thereto. The Company or other party required to make payment shall not be required to defend any proposed disallowance or other action by the Internal Revenue Service or any other state, federal, or local taxing authorities. Withholding All sums payable to Executive under this Agreement will be reduced by all federal, state, local, and other withholdings and similar taxes and payments required by applicable law. Other Employment Benefits Business Expenses Upon submission of itemized expense statements in the manner specified by the Company, Executive shall be entitled to reimbursement for reasonable travel and other reasonable business expenses duly incurred by Executive in the performance of his duties under this Agreement. Benefit Plans Executive shall be entitled to participate in the Company's medical and dental plans, life and disability insurance plans and retirement plans pursuant to their terms and conditions. Executive shall be entitled to participate in any other benefit plan offered by the Company to its Executives during the term of this Agreement (other than stock option or stock incentive plans, which are governed by Section 3(d) below). Nothing in this Agreement shall preclude the Company or any affiliate of the Company from terminating or amending any Executive benefit plan or program from time to time. Vacation Executive shall be entitled to [agreed upon number of time] weeks of vacation each year of full employment, exclusive of legal holidays, as long as the scheduling of Executive's vacation does not interfere with the Company's normal business operations.","Employment Agreement Executive","12",97,"https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/1000px/employment-agreement_executive-D543.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/543.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/svgs/docviewerWebApp1.html?v6#543.xml",{"title":6,"description":6},[145,146,147],{"label":17,"url":115},{"label":20,"url":117},{"label":23,"url":99},"employment agreement executive","/template/employment-agreement-executive-D543",{"description":151,"descriptionCustom":6,"label":152,"pages":8,"size":91,"extension":10,"preview":153,"thumb":154,"svgFrame":155,"seoMetadata":156,"parents":158,"keywords":157,"url":163},"[DATE] [CONTACT NAME] [ADDRESS] [ADDRESS 2] [CITY, STATE/PROVINCE] [ZIP/POSTAL CODE] SUBJECT: Termination of your employment Dear [Contact name], We regret to inform you that your employment with [YOUR COMPANY NAME] is terminated effective upon receipt of this letter for the following reason(s): [DETAIL REASONS] [DETAIL REASONS] [DETAIL REASONS] Please vacate the premises immediately with your personal possessions. We will forward your salary earned to date in due course together with any vacation pay to which you are entitled. Within [NUMBER] days of termination we shall issue you a statement of accrued benefits. Any insurance benefits shall continue in accordance with applicable law and/or provisions of our personnel policy. Please contact [Name], at your earliest convenience, who will explain each of these items and arrange with you for the return of any company property. Sincerely, [YOUR NAME] [YOUR TITLE] [YOUR PHONE NUMBER] [YOUREMAIL@YOURCOMPANY.COM] [IF SENT BY EMAIL YOU MAY INCLUDE THIS NOTICE]","Employee Dismissal Letter","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/1000px/employee-dismissal-letter-D508.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/508.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/svgs/docviewerWebApp1.html?v6#508.xml",{"title":157,"description":6},"employee dismissal letter",[159,160],{"label":17,"url":115},{"label":161,"url":162},"Employee Termination","employee-termination","/template/employee-dismissal-letter-D508",{"description":165,"descriptionCustom":6,"label":166,"pages":167,"size":91,"extension":10,"preview":168,"thumb":169,"svgFrame":170,"seoMetadata":171,"parents":173,"keywords":172,"url":176},"[DATE] [CONTACT NAME] [ADDRESS] [ADDRESS 2] [CITY, STATE/PROVINCE] [ZIP/POSTAL CODE] SUBJECT: JOB OFFER FOR [DESCRIBE] Dear [CANDIDATE NAME]: Congratulations! [Company name] is excited to offer you the position of [job title] with an expected start date of [day, month, year] at a starting salary of [dollar amount] per [hour, year, etc.]. You can expect to receive payment [weekly, biweekly, monthly, etc.], starting on [date of first pay period]. We must wrap up a few more formalities, including the successful completion of your [background check, drug screening, reference check, etc.]. As the [job title], you will report to [manager/supervisor name and title] at [workplace location] from [hours of day, days of week]","Job Offer Letter Long","1","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/1000px/job-offer-letter-long-D12769.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/12769.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/svgs/docviewerWebApp1.html?v6#12769.xml",{"title":172,"description":6},"job offer letter long",[174,175],{"label":17,"url":115},{"label":20,"url":117},"/template/job-offer-letter-long-D12769",false,{"seo":179,"reviewer":191,"legal_disclaimer":195,"quick_facts":196,"at_a_glance":198,"personas":202,"variants":227,"glossary":256,"clauses":290,"how_to_fill":340,"common_mistakes":381,"faqs":406,"industries":437,"comparisons":462,"diy_vs_lawyer":472,"jurisdictions":485,"related_template_ids_curated":506,"schema":516,"classification":517},{"meta_title":180,"meta_description":181,"primary_keyword":182,"secondary_keywords":183},"Employee Non Compete Agreement Template | BIB","Free employee non compete agreement template in Word. Covers restricted activities, geographic scope, duration, and consideration.","employee non compete agreement template",[184,185,186,187,188,189,190],"non compete clause template","non compete agreement template word","non compete agreement template free","employee non compete contract","non compete agreement sample","non compete agreement for employees","restrictive covenant agreement template",{"name":192,"credential":193,"reviewed_date":194},"Bruno Goulet","CEO, Business in a Box","2026-05-02",true,{"difficulty":197,"legal_review_recommended":195,"signature_required":195,"notarization_required":177},"advanced",{"what_it_is":199,"when_you_need_it":200,"whats_inside":201},"An Employee Non Compete Agreement is a legally binding contract in which an employee agrees not to work for a competitor, start a competing business, or solicit the employer's customers or staff for a defined period and within a defined geography after leaving the company. This free Word download gives you a structured, attorney-drafted starting point you can edit online and export as PDF — covering restricted activities, duration, geographic scope, consideration, and remedies in a single enforceable document.\n","Use it when hiring or retaining employees who have access to trade secrets, proprietary technology, key client relationships, or strategic business information that, if taken to a competitor, would cause measurable harm to the business.\n","Parties and recitals, definition of competing business, restricted activities, geographic scope, duration, consideration, confidentiality obligations, non-solicitation of customers and employees, remedies and injunctive relief, severability, and governing law.\n",[203,207,211,215,219,223],{"title":204,"use_case":205,"icon_asset_id":206},"Startup founders","Protecting proprietary technology and early customer relationships from departing engineers or sales staff","persona-startup-founder",{"title":208,"use_case":209,"icon_asset_id":210},"Small business owners","Preventing key employees from leaving to start or join a direct competitor in the same local market","persona-small-business-owner",{"title":212,"use_case":213,"icon_asset_id":214},"HR managers","Standardizing restrictive covenant language across all senior and client-facing hires","persona-hr-manager",{"title":216,"use_case":217,"icon_asset_id":218},"Sales directors","Protecting high-value client books managed by account executives with direct customer relationships","persona-operations-director",{"title":220,"use_case":221,"icon_asset_id":222},"Technology companies","Securing IP and product roadmap information handled by engineers and product managers","persona-ceo",{"title":224,"use_case":225,"icon_asset_id":226},"Professional services firms","Preventing consultants or advisors from taking client relationships to a competing practice","persona-professional-services",[228,232,236,240,244,248,252],{"situation":229,"recommended_template":230,"slug":231},"Comprehensive restrictive covenant for a senior employee or executive","Employee Non Compete Agreement","employee-non-compete-agreement-D537",{"situation":233,"recommended_template":234,"slug":235},"Protecting confidential information without post-employment activity restrictions","Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)","non-disclosure-agreement-nda-D12692",{"situation":237,"recommended_template":238,"slug":239},"Preventing a departing employee from poaching clients or colleagues only","Non-Solicitation Agreement","non-solicitation-agreement-D13849",{"situation":241,"recommended_template":242,"slug":243},"Restricting a contractor or freelancer instead of an employee","Independent Contractor Non Compete Agreement","independent-contractor-agreement-D160",{"situation":245,"recommended_template":246,"slug":247},"Protecting IP and trade secrets as part of a full employment agreement","Employment Contract","employment-agreement_at-will-employee-D541",{"situation":249,"recommended_template":250,"slug":251},"Restricting a business seller from competing after an acquisition","Non Compete Agreement (Business Sale)","general-non-compete-agreement-D882",{"situation":253,"recommended_template":254,"slug":255},"Bundling non-compete, NDA, and IP assignment into one onboarding package","Confidentiality and IP Assignment Agreement","confidentiality-agreement-D950",[257,260,263,266,269,272,275,278,281,284,287],{"term":258,"definition":259},"Non Compete Clause","A contractual provision restricting an employee from working for a competitor or starting a competing business for a defined period after employment ends.",{"term":261,"definition":262},"Restrictive Covenant","Any contractual obligation limiting what a party can do after a contract ends — including non-compete, non-solicit, and non-disclosure provisions.",{"term":264,"definition":265},"Geographic Scope","The physical area within which the non-compete restrictions apply — typically defined by radius, city, state, or region.",{"term":267,"definition":268},"Consideration","Something of value exchanged to make a contract binding — for a non-compete signed at hire, the job offer itself; for one signed mid-employment, a bonus, raise, or promotion.",{"term":270,"definition":271},"Trade Secret","Proprietary business information — formulas, customer lists, pricing models, or source code — that derives value from being kept confidential.",{"term":273,"definition":274},"Competing Business","Any entity that offers the same or substantially similar products or services to the same or overlapping customer base as the employer.",{"term":276,"definition":277},"Non-Solicitation Clause","A restriction preventing a departing employee from recruiting the employer's customers, clients, or other employees for a defined period after leaving.",{"term":279,"definition":280},"Garden Leave","A notice period during which the employee is paid full salary but required to stay away from the workplace, preventing access to clients or confidential information while the non-compete clock runs.",{"term":282,"definition":283},"Blue Penciling","A judicial practice of modifying an overly broad non-compete to make it enforceable rather than voiding it entirely — available in some but not all jurisdictions.",{"term":285,"definition":286},"Injunctive Relief","A court order requiring a party to stop a specific action immediately — the most common remedy sought when a former employee violates a non-compete before financial damage can be calculated.",{"term":288,"definition":289},"At-Will Employment","Employment that either party may end at any time for any lawful reason — the default in most US states, affecting what constitutes valid consideration for a mid-employment non-compete.",[291,296,301,306,311,316,320,325,330,335],{"name":292,"plain_english":293,"sample_language":294,"common_mistake":295},"Parties and recitals","Identifies the employer and employee as legal entities, states the effective date, and explains the business purpose of the restrictions — typically protecting trade secrets and customer relationships.","This Employee Non Compete Agreement ('Agreement') is entered into as of [DATE] between [EMPLOYER LEGAL NAME], a [STATE] [ENTITY TYPE] ('Company'), and [EMPLOYEE FULL NAME] ('Employee'). The Company has legitimate business interests in protecting its confidential information, customer relationships, and goodwill.","Using a trade name instead of the registered legal entity name. Courts enforcing or assigning the agreement need the exact registered entity — a mismatch can complicate enforcement proceedings.",{"name":297,"plain_english":298,"sample_language":299,"common_mistake":300},"Definition of competing business","Specifies what constitutes a competitor — the products, services, and customer segments the restriction covers — so the employee knows exactly what activities are prohibited.","For purposes of this Agreement, 'Competing Business' means any person or entity that provides [SPECIFIC PRODUCTS/SERVICES] to [TARGET CUSTOMER SEGMENT], including but not limited to the entities listed in Schedule A.","Defining 'Competing Business' so broadly that it covers industries the employee never worked in. Courts void overbroad definitions entirely rather than narrowing them in jurisdictions that do not blue-pencil.",{"name":302,"plain_english":303,"sample_language":304,"common_mistake":305},"Restricted activities","Lists the specific activities the employee cannot engage in — such as employment with a competitor, ownership of a competing business, or consulting for a rival — during the restriction period.","During the Restriction Period, Employee shall not, directly or indirectly: (a) be employed by a Competing Business; (b) own, manage, or consult for a Competing Business; or (c) solicit the Company's customers or prospective customers for a Competing Business.","Restricting the employee from working in an entire industry rather than in a specific competing role. Blanket industry bans are routinely struck down as an unreasonable restraint of trade.",{"name":307,"plain_english":308,"sample_language":309,"common_mistake":310},"Geographic scope","Defines the territory where the restriction applies, calibrated to the actual area where the employee operated and where the employer does business.","The restrictions in Section [X] apply within a [X]-mile radius of [OFFICE LOCATION], or within the states of [STATE 1] and [STATE 2], whichever is broader, representing the geographic area in which Employee regularly conducted business on the Company's behalf.","Using a nationwide or global geographic scope for a regional employee. Courts consistently reject geographic restrictions that exceed the employee's actual operational footprint.",{"name":312,"plain_english":313,"sample_language":314,"common_mistake":315},"Duration","States how long the restrictions last after employment ends, measured from the last day of work or the end of any garden-leave period.","The restrictions in this Agreement shall remain in effect for a period of [12/24] months following the date of Employee's separation from the Company, regardless of the reason for separation.","Setting a 24-month or longer restriction for junior or mid-level employees without documented justification. Restrictions beyond 12 months face heightened scrutiny and are frequently reduced or voided for non-executive roles.",{"name":267,"plain_english":317,"sample_language":318,"common_mistake":319},"Documents the specific benefit the employee receives in exchange for agreeing to the restrictions — required to make the contract legally binding.","In consideration of Employee's employment with the Company, access to Confidential Information, and the compensation and benefits described herein — the receipt and sufficiency of which Employee acknowledges — Employee agrees to the restrictions set out in this Agreement.","Having a current employee sign a new non-compete without providing fresh consideration. In common-law jurisdictions, continued employment alone is not sufficient consideration — a raise, bonus, or promotion must accompany the agreement.",{"name":321,"plain_english":322,"sample_language":323,"common_mistake":324},"Confidentiality obligations","Prohibits the employee from disclosing or using the employer's confidential information and trade secrets during and after employment — often reinforcing a separate NDA.","Employee shall not, during or after employment, disclose or use for any purpose other than the Company's benefit any Confidential Information. 'Confidential Information' includes customer lists, pricing data, product roadmaps, financial information, and technical know-how not generally known to the public.","Relying on this clause alone without a standalone NDA. If the non-compete is voided, the confidentiality clause — embedded within it — may be swept away with the rest of the agreement.",{"name":326,"plain_english":327,"sample_language":328,"common_mistake":329},"Non-solicitation of customers and employees","Prevents the departing employee from approaching the employer's customers or recruiting its staff for a defined period after leaving.","For [12] months following separation, Employee shall not: (a) solicit or accept business from any customer with whom Employee had material contact during the [24] months preceding separation; or (b) solicit, recruit, or induce any Company employee to terminate their employment.","Omitting a time limit on the customer list or defining 'customer' to include every person the company has ever contacted. Broad definitions are harder to enforce and easier for employees to challenge.",{"name":331,"plain_english":332,"sample_language":333,"common_mistake":334},"Remedies and injunctive relief","States that a breach causes irreparable harm for which money damages are inadequate, entitling the employer to seek an injunction — a court order to stop the violation immediately — without posting a bond.","Employee acknowledges that any breach of this Agreement would cause irreparable harm to the Company for which monetary damages would be an inadequate remedy. Accordingly, the Company shall be entitled to seek injunctive relief without the requirement to post bond, in addition to all other remedies available at law or in equity.","No remedies clause at all, leaving the employer to prove actual monetary damages — which are difficult to quantify — before any court relief is granted.",{"name":336,"plain_english":337,"sample_language":338,"common_mistake":339},"Severability and governing law","Ensures that if any clause is found unenforceable, the rest of the agreement survives. Also specifies which jurisdiction's law governs interpretation and enforcement.","If any provision of this Agreement is held unenforceable, it shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it enforceable, and the remaining provisions shall continue in full force. This Agreement is governed by the laws of [STATE/PROVINCE/COUNTRY], without regard to its conflict-of-law principles.","Choosing a governing-law state solely because it is employer-friendly without confirming that state's courts will accept jurisdiction over the employee's actual work location. Several states apply local law regardless of what the contract specifies.",[341,346,351,356,361,366,371,376],{"step":342,"title":343,"description":344,"tip":345},1,"Enter the parties' legal names and effective date","Use the employer's full registered corporate name and the employee's legal name as it appears on government-issued ID. Record the date the agreement is signed — not the employee's start date if those differ.","Cross-reference your corporate registry filing to confirm the exact legal entity name before execution; a mismatch between the agreement and payroll records complicates enforcement.",{"step":347,"title":348,"description":349,"tip":350},2,"Define the competing business with specificity","Describe the products, services, and customer segments that constitute a competing business. Where possible, name specific competitor categories or industries rather than using an all-encompassing definition.","The narrower and more accurate the definition, the more likely a court will enforce it. Consider attaching a Schedule A listing known direct competitors at the time of signing.",{"step":352,"title":353,"description":354,"tip":355},3,"Set the geographic scope based on the employee's actual operational area","Map the territory to where the employee actually works — the states, cities, or radius within which they have customer contact or market influence. Document your rationale in the recitals.","For remote employees, geographic scope is particularly difficult to justify; consider relying primarily on non-solicitation and confidentiality clauses instead.",{"step":357,"title":358,"description":359,"tip":360},4,"Choose a defensible restriction duration","Select 6–12 months for most roles and up to 24 months for C-suite, senior sales, or roles with deep access to trade secrets. Document why the chosen duration is necessary to protect a specific business interest.","Shorter durations that are reliably enforced give more protection than longer durations that get struck down entirely.",{"step":362,"title":363,"description":364,"tip":365},5,"Document the consideration being provided","If this is a new hire, record that the job offer itself is the consideration. If signing mid-employment, document the specific additional benefit — bonus amount, salary increase, or promotion — being provided in exchange.","For mid-employment agreements, process the bonus or salary change on the same date as the signature to create a clean paper trail.",{"step":367,"title":368,"description":369,"tip":370},6,"Tailor the non-solicitation provisions","Define 'customer' to mean only those with whom the employee had direct material contact in the preceding 12–24 months, not every person in the employer's CRM. Set the non-solicitation period at 12 months or less for most jurisdictions.","A targeted non-solicitation clause is often more valuable in practice than a broad non-compete, because courts enforce it more readily and it directly protects the relationships that matter most.",{"step":372,"title":373,"description":374,"tip":375},7,"Confirm governing law and jurisdiction","Select the state or province where the employee primarily works — not just where the company is incorporated. Verify that the chosen jurisdiction permits the restrictions you have included.","If the employee works in California, Minnesota, or another ban state, replace the non-compete with strengthened NDA and non-solicitation clauses — a California non-compete is void regardless of which state's law the contract specifies.",{"step":377,"title":378,"description":379,"tip":380},8,"Execute before or on the first day of employment","Both parties must sign before the employee begins work. Post-start-date signatures require fresh consideration in common-law jurisdictions — the job offer no longer counts once the employee has already started.","Use a timestamped e-signature platform and store the fully-executed copy in a secure document management system with a reminder to revisit enforceability if the employee is promoted significantly.",[382,386,390,394,398,402],{"mistake":383,"why_it_matters":384,"fix":385},"Overbroad geographic scope","A nationwide restriction for a regional sales rep who never operated outside three states signals to courts that the employer's concern is eliminating competition rather than protecting a legitimate interest — and the clause gets voided.","Map the restriction to the specific states, cities, or mile radius where the employee actually had customer contact or competitive market influence, and document that rationale in the recitals.",{"mistake":387,"why_it_matters":388,"fix":389},"No fresh consideration for mid-employment agreements","An employee who has already started work has given up nothing new by signing a non-compete. Courts in common-law jurisdictions — including most US states, Canada, and the UK — have voided restrictive covenants signed without a documented benefit accompanying the signature.","Provide and document a specific benefit — a cash bonus, salary increase, or additional equity — on the same date as the signature, and recite it explicitly in the agreement.",{"mistake":391,"why_it_matters":392,"fix":393},"Signing after the employee's first day of work","In common-law jurisdictions, a contract requires consideration flowing in both directions at the time of signing. An employee already employed received no new benefit from the job offer — meaning the non-compete may be entirely unenforceable.","Always execute the non-compete before or on the first day of work. If circumstances require a later signature, provide a documented, separately disbursed benefit as fresh consideration.",{"mistake":395,"why_it_matters":396,"fix":397},"Using the same agreement for all roles regardless of seniority","A junior customer service rep signing the same non-compete as a VP of Sales is a red flag for courts. Restrictions must be proportionate to the employee's actual access to competitive information and customer relationships.","Calibrate duration and geographic scope to the role — shorter periods and narrower territories for junior employees, longer and broader for executives with strategic access to trade secrets and key accounts.",{"mistake":399,"why_it_matters":400,"fix":401},"Omitting a severability clause","Without severability language, a court that finds one clause unenforceable may void the entire agreement — eliminating your non-solicitation and confidentiality protections along with the non-compete.","Include a severability clause specifying that if any provision is found unenforceable, it will be modified to the minimum extent necessary and the remaining provisions will survive intact.",{"mistake":403,"why_it_matters":404,"fix":405},"Choosing employer-friendly governing law with no connection to the employee's work state","Several states — most notably California — apply their own law regardless of what the contract specifies. A non-compete written under Texas law for a California-based employee is void under California Business and Professions Code §16600.","Select the governing law of the state or province where the employee actually performs their work, and verify that jurisdiction permits the specific restrictions included before executing.",[407,410,413,416,419,422,425,428,431,434],{"question":408,"answer":409},"What is an employee non compete agreement?","An employee non compete agreement is a contract in which an employee agrees not to work for a competitor, start a competing business, or solicit the employer's customers or staff for a defined period and within a defined geographic area after leaving the company. It protects the employer's trade secrets, customer relationships, and business goodwill from being exploited by departing employees. Enforceability depends on the jurisdiction, the employee's role, and whether the restrictions are reasonable in scope and duration.\n",{"question":411,"answer":412},"Are non compete agreements enforceable?","Enforceability varies significantly by jurisdiction. In most US states, non competes are enforceable if they are reasonable in duration, geographic scope, and the business interest they protect. California, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Oklahoma ban most post-employment non competes entirely. The FTC issued a rule in 2024 attempting to ban most non competes nationally, though federal courts blocked it in 2024–2025 — check current regulatory status before relying on any agreement. In Canada, the UK, and the EU, non competes are enforceable if reasonable but face stricter scrutiny than in most US states.\n",{"question":414,"answer":415},"What makes a non compete agreement enforceable?","Courts in most jurisdictions look for four factors: a legitimate business interest worth protecting (trade secrets, customer relationships, specialized training), adequate consideration exchanged at signing, a geographic scope limited to where the employee actually operated, and a duration proportionate to the time needed to protect that interest — typically 6 to 12 months. Agreements that fail any one of these tests risk being voided or modified by a court.\n",{"question":417,"answer":418},"Can an employee be forced to sign a non compete agreement?","An employer can make signing a non compete a condition of employment or continued employment, but the employee cannot be physically compelled. Refusing to sign may result in a withdrawn job offer or termination, depending on the jurisdiction. In states that ban or heavily restrict non competes — such as California — an employer cannot condition employment on signing one, and any such agreement is void regardless of whether the employee signed it.\n",{"question":420,"answer":421},"What should a non compete agreement include?","A complete non compete agreement should include: the parties' full legal names, a specific definition of what constitutes a competing business, a list of restricted activities, a defined geographic scope tied to where the employee actually worked, a specific duration, documented consideration, confidentiality obligations, a non-solicitation clause covering customers and employees, a remedies and injunctive relief clause, and a severability and governing-law provision. Missing any of these creates gaps courts fill in the employee's favor.\n",{"question":423,"answer":424},"How long can a non compete agreement last?","Most courts treat 6 to 12 months as presumptively reasonable for non-executive employees. Restrictions up to 24 months are enforced for C-suite executives, senior sales leaders, or employees with direct access to significant trade secrets, provided the duration is justified by the specific business interest being protected. Restrictions exceeding 24 months are routinely challenged and frequently reduced or voided, particularly for mid-level roles.\n",{"question":426,"answer":427},"What is the difference between a non compete and a non-solicitation agreement?","A non compete prohibits the employee from working for a competitor or starting a competing business entirely. A non-solicitation agreement only prevents the employee from actively recruiting the employer's clients or staff — the employee can still join a competitor or start their own business, they simply cannot reach back to poach the employer's relationships. Non-solicitation agreements are enforced more consistently than non competes and are often the more practical protective tool.\n",{"question":429,"answer":430},"Do I need a lawyer to draft a non compete agreement?","For standard hires in a single, permissive jurisdiction, a high-quality template reviewed by in-house counsel is often sufficient. Engage an employment lawyer when the employee works in California or another restricted jurisdiction, when the role involves material trade secrets or senior executive access, when the company operates across multiple states or countries, or when enforcing the agreement in court is a realistic scenario. A 1–2 hour attorney review typically costs $300–$700 and is proportionate to the risk for any senior hire.\n",{"question":432,"answer":433},"What happens if a non compete agreement is violated?","The employer's primary remedies are injunctive relief — a court order requiring the former employee to cease the competing activity immediately — and monetary damages for provable losses caused by the breach. Injunctions are typically sought first because calculating actual financial damages is difficult. If the agreement includes a liquidated damages clause, the court may award the pre-agreed amount without requiring the employer to prove specific losses.\n",{"question":435,"answer":436},"Can a non compete agreement be signed after employment has already started?","Yes, but it requires fresh consideration — something of value beyond continued employment — to be enforceable in most common-law jurisdictions. A documented bonus, salary increase, promotion, or grant of additional benefits provided at the time of signing satisfies this requirement. An agreement handed to a current employee with no accompanying benefit, under threat of termination, is vulnerable to challenge in most US states, all Canadian provinces, and the UK.\n",[438,442,446,450,454,458],{"industry":439,"icon_asset_id":440,"specifics":441},"Technology / SaaS","industry-saas","Protecting source code, algorithms, product roadmaps, and customer data managed by engineers, product managers, and technical sales staff who are highly mobile in competitive talent markets.",{"industry":443,"icon_asset_id":444,"specifics":445},"Professional Services","industry-professional-services","Preventing consultants, accountants, and advisors from taking client relationships built using the firm's proprietary methodologies, tools, and reputation to a direct competitor.",{"industry":447,"icon_asset_id":448,"specifics":449},"Financial Services","industry-fintech","Securing client books managed by financial advisors and relationship managers, where client portability represents direct, quantifiable revenue risk upon departure.",{"industry":451,"icon_asset_id":452,"specifics":453},"Healthcare / MedTech","industry-healthtech","Restricting physicians, specialists, and medical device sales staff whose patient relationships, referral networks, and clinical proprietary data are subject to both contractual and regulatory protections.",{"industry":455,"icon_asset_id":456,"specifics":457},"Manufacturing","industry-manufacturing","Protecting proprietary production processes, supplier relationships, and formulations from engineers and operations managers who hold detailed knowledge of cost structures and technical specifications.",{"industry":459,"icon_asset_id":460,"specifics":461},"Retail / Franchise","industry-retail","Preventing franchise managers and district-level staff from opening competing locations or sharing proprietary operational systems and customer data with rival franchise networks.",[463,465,468,470],{"vs":234,"vs_template_id":235,"summary":464},"An NDA protects confidential information from being disclosed or misused but does not prevent the employee from working for a competitor. A non compete agreement restricts where and for whom the employee can work after leaving. Both documents protect the employer from different angles — an NDA alone leaves the employer exposed to an employee who joins a rival without taking documents but uses their knowledge of trade secrets and client relationships.",{"vs":238,"vs_template_id":466,"summary":467},"","A non-solicitation agreement prevents a departing employee from recruiting the employer's customers or staff but does not bar the employee from joining a competitor. It is narrower than a non compete, faces fewer enforceability challenges in restricted jurisdictions, and is often the preferred instrument for jurisdictions such as California where true non competes are banned. Use a non compete when you need to block the employment relationship itself; use a non-solicitation when you primarily need to protect client and employee relationships.",{"vs":246,"vs_template_id":247,"summary":469},"An employment contract governs the full working relationship — compensation, duties, benefits, IP assignment, and termination — and may include a non compete clause. A standalone non compete agreement focuses exclusively on post-employment restrictions and can be executed separately, updated without amending the full employment contract, and targeted to specific roles. For maximum flexibility and enforceability clarity, keep the non compete as a separate signed document referenced by but not embedded in the employment contract.",{"vs":122,"vs_template_id":243,"summary":471},"An independent contractor agreement governs a project-based engagement with a self-employed individual and may include its own non compete or non-solicitation provisions. Employee non competes and contractor non competes are governed by different legal standards — courts scrutinize contractor restrictions differently because contractors are, by definition, operating their own business. Using an employee non compete template for a contractor creates enforceability risk and may signal misclassification.",{"use_template":473,"template_plus_review":477,"custom_drafted":481},{"best_for":474,"cost":475,"time":476},"Standard hires below senior management in a single jurisdiction that permits non competes","Free","20–30 minutes",{"best_for":478,"cost":479,"time":480},"Senior hires, multi-state employers, or roles involving significant trade secrets or client relationships","$300–$700 for a 1–2 hour employment attorney review","2–5 business days",{"best_for":482,"cost":483,"time":484},"C-suite executives, cross-border employment, heavily regulated industries, or where litigation enforcement is a realistic scenario","$1,000–$4,000+ depending on complexity and jurisdiction","1–3 weeks",[486,491,496,501],{"code":487,"name":488,"flag_asset_id":489,"note":490},"us","United States","flag-us","Enforceability is determined state by state. California, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Oklahoma ban most post-employment non competes entirely. Most other states enforce reasonable restrictions, but the definition of 'reasonable' varies — Texas requires a specific geographic limit and duration tied to a legitimate business interest, while Florida creates a presumption in favor of enforcement. The FTC issued a broad ban rule in 2024 that was blocked by federal courts in 2024–2025; monitor current regulatory status before relying on any agreement.",{"code":492,"name":493,"flag_asset_id":494,"note":495},"ca","Canada","flag-ca","Non compete agreements are enforceable in Canada if they are reasonable in scope, duration, and geographic area, but courts apply a stricter standard than most US states. Ontario's Employment Standards Act, 2000 prohibits non competes for most employees (excluding C-suite executives) for agreements signed on or after October 25, 2021. Quebec courts historically disfavor broad restrictions, and French-language contracts are required for provincially regulated Quebec employers. Non-solicitation agreements are generally more reliable than non competes across all provinces.",{"code":497,"name":498,"flag_asset_id":499,"note":500},"uk","United Kingdom","flag-uk","Post-termination restrictive covenants are enforceable in England, Wales, and Scotland if they protect a legitimate proprietary interest and go no further than reasonably necessary. Courts assess reasonableness at the time of signing, not at the time of enforcement — meaning a clause reasonable for a junior role at hire becomes unenforceable if the employee is promoted without signing an updated agreement. Garden leave provisions are commonly used alongside non competes to reduce the effective restriction period. Scottish courts apply broadly similar principles but with distinct procedural rules.",{"code":502,"name":503,"flag_asset_id":504,"note":505},"eu","European Union","flag-eu","Non compete enforceability and requirements vary substantially across EU member states. Germany requires financial compensation equal to at least 50% of the employee's last annual compensation for post-employment restrictions to be valid. France requires compensation of at least one-third of monthly salary per month of restriction. Italy and Spain impose similar compensation requirements. GDPR applies to the processing of employee data referenced in or collected during the enforcement of non compete agreements. Always confirm member-state-specific rules before deploying a standard template.",[235,247,243,507,508,509,510,511,512,513,514,515],"employment-agreement-executive-D543","employee-dismissal-letter-D508","job-offer-letter-long-D12769","fixed-term-contract-D13225","remote-work-agreement-D13282","employee-handbook-D712","temporary-employment-contract-D12734","severance-agreement-D525","mutual-non-disclosure-agreement-D955",{"emit_how_to":195,"emit_defined_term":195},{"primary_folder":99,"secondary_folder":518,"document_type":519,"industry":520,"business_stage":521,"tags":522,"confidence":528},"employment-and-contractors","agreement","general","all-stages",[523,524,525,526,527],"non-compete","employment","confidentiality","legal","contract",0.95,"\u003Ch2>What is an Employee Non Compete Agreement?\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>An \u003Cstrong>Employee Non Compete Agreement\u003C/strong> is a legally binding contract in which an employee agrees not to work for a competitor, start a competing business, or solicit the employer's customers or colleagues for a defined period and within a defined geographic area after the employment relationship ends. It functions as a post-employment restraint designed to protect specific business interests — trade secrets, proprietary technology, key client relationships, and accumulated goodwill — that would be directly harmed if a departing employee carried them to a direct rival. Unlike a non-disclosure agreement, which restricts what information the employee may share, a non compete restricts where and for whom the employee may work entirely. Enforceability is not automatic: courts in most jurisdictions require that the restrictions be proportionate to the interest being protected, supported by valid consideration, and limited to the geographic territory and role scope where the employee actually operated.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2>Why You Need This Document\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>Without a signed non compete agreement, a departing employee who spent years building your client relationships, learning your proprietary processes, and accessing your pricing models is free to join your nearest competitor the day after resignation — and take everything they know with them. The consequences are concrete: customer churn driven by a familiar face at a rival firm, a competitor accelerating product development using knowledge of your roadmap, and a sales team that loses momentum every time a senior account executive walks out. A properly drafted non compete agreement creates a legally enforceable transition period that gives the business time to rebuild those relationships and protect the information that drives competitive advantage. This template gives you a structured, attorney-drafted starting point covering every material clause — restricted activities, geographic scope, duration, consideration, and remedies — so you can execute a defensible agreement in minutes rather than weeks.\u003C/p>\n",1778696358658]