Restrictive Covenants

NON-COMPETE AGREEMENTS/CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENTS 

Many employers require their employees to sign restrictive covenants such as non-compete and non-solicitation agreements, as a condition of employment or continued employment.  A non-compete agreement typically prohibits the employee from working for a competitor for a period of time within a certain geographical area.  A non-solicitation agreement prohibits an employee from soliciting his former employer’s customers or employees. Their enforceability primarily depends upon their duration and geographic coverage.  The more reasonable they are, the more enforceable they are.  Judges determine these issues. As New Jersey’s largest plaintiff’s employment law firm, Deutsch Atkins, P.C. frequently advises clients in matters regarding restrictive covenants such as non-compete and non-solicitation agreements.

If you violate a restrictive covenant, you and your new employer could face legal action from your former employer in which both an injunction and damages would be sought.  If you or your employer are the target of such a suit, you need an employment litigation lawyer.  The employment litigation lawyers at Deutsch Atkins, P.C. have the expertise to successfully defend any meritless litigation brought against you and negotiate the best possible settlement.

Confidentiality Agreements prevent employees from disclosing private, “proprietary” and confidential information of their employers.  In contrast to restrictive covenants and non-compete agreements, which are looked upon unfavorably by courts because they restrict an employee’s right to earn a living, the courts generally look favorably upon confidentiality agreements and strictly enforce them due to the employer’s legitimate interest in protecting such valuable information.                 

Before you sign a document containing a restrictive covenant, such as a non-compete or a confidentiality agreement, you should consult with an attorney who has knowledge and experience in this area.  The lawyers of Deutsch Atkins, P.C. are experienced employment litigation attorneys who can provide the advice you need regarding restrictive covenants and defend baseless lawsuits by your former employer against you and your new employer.

For a consultation with a restrictive covenants lawyer at Deutsch Atkins, P.C., call 800.498.0991 or contact us online.