Non Compete Not Enforceable
Non competes are only enforceable in Massachusetts if they are necessary to protect a legitimate business interest of the employer. Below is an example of a non compete case we defended because the restrictive covenants did not protect a legitimate interest.
Case Study F: BackgroundClient F was an analyst for a market research company in Massachusetts. He did primarily back office work collecting and analyzing data. He did not interact with customers or prospective customers. His work also did not involve trade secrets or a proprietary methodology.
Client F was offered a job by a company in California that provided similar services in a similar market. The Massachusetts company sent a cease and desist letter to him and his new employer. The letter threatened to sue both of them to enforce the non compete. Case Study F: Strategy and OutcomeClient F contacted us after he received the cease and desist letter. We reviewed his documents and interviewed him. Based on this review, we concluded that he did not have any customer relationships that would impact the employer's goodwill.
It also did not appear that the work he did was informed by any confidential methodologies. Instead, the analysis he did was based on established data analysis techniques and his own experience. In addition, the new job was for a California employer. California had passed a law refusing to enforce non competes unless necessary to protect trade secrets. We first attempted to reach a resolution with the old and new employers. The former employer, however, was unwilling to accept a compromise that would limit Client F's contact with prior clients for the restricted period. Client F was forced to take action. His new employer wanted reassurance that they would not be dragged into a lawsuit in Massachusetts. We had worked collaboratively with them to find a solution, but they needed more than that. His former employer refused to cooperate. We filed a complaint seeking a declaratory judgment that the non compete was unenforceable. We argued that the agreement was unenforceable under California law. We also argued that it was unreasonably restrictive given the absence of a legitimate business interest to protect. Client F did not have any meaningful customer relationships. He also was not privy to trade secrets or confidential information that would justify an enforceable non compete agreement. Once the former employer realized they had to defend a lawsuit, we reached a resolution. Client F was released from his non compete with certain reasonable restrictions, and started his new job with the California company. Case Study F: TakeawaysThere are a number of lessons to be learned from this example that may help you if you are facing a dispute over a non compete agreement
Can We Help You?We have years of experience representing people in non compete lawsuits in Massachusetts state and federal courts, as well as responding to cease and desist letters, and we would be happy to help. You can use the button below to schedule a call back from a member of our team, give us a call at 781-784-2322, or fill out our web form to let us know a little more about your situation.
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Need Help With a Non Compete Agreement?Testimonials
"Emily, a chief partner, and the two other lawyers at SLN Law who worked on my case were extremely competent and approachable. They were responsive to inquiries and they thoughtfully explained, as needed, complex legal terms. I was very well represented at each stage of a protracted legal case against a major national firm." Brian R. "Emily is an incredible resource of knowledge on employment law. She helped guide us on how to structure our employee classifications and made adjustments to our consulting agreements so our business is better protected and positioned. She's both law-savvy and business minded - great asset to have when launching/growing a business." Diana B. "SLN represented me in a complicated employment-related dispute. What could have been a prolonged nightmare for me was handled swiftly and skillfully, and with fairness and dignity." Smita N. "Long overdue public words of gratitude for Emily and her associates' work on my behalf. They were so very respectful of me during an emotionally and financially ridden time -- and that mattered more than the positive result. May all clients have such advocates on their sides!" Donna B. |
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