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What is the Massachusetts Non Compete Act?

In 2018, the Massachusetts legislature enacted the Massachusetts Non Compete Law, and it became effective for agreements signed on or after October 1, 2018.

In some ways, the statute codified principles already applied by courts in reviewing non compete agreements- for example, requiring that agreements be no broader than necessary to protect legitimate interests of the employer in either confidential information or goodwill.

In other was, the statute completely changed the rules of the game by requiring "garden leave" payments to employees during the non compete period, requiring employers to give ten days to review the agreement before signing and advising you to consult with counsel, disallowing enforcement against employees terminated without cause, and exempting broad categories of workers from enforcement of non compete provisions.

Like most new laws that have not yet been fully interpreted by the courts, the Non Compete Act has generated many questions about its scope and meaning, and whether the agreement you may be asked to sign is enforceable.  If you are asked to sign a non compete, it is a good idea to take advantage of the ten days provided and consult an experienced employment lawyer who can help you understand what the agreement restricts and whether it is likely to be enforceable.

Learn more here about the Massachusetts Non Compete Law.

Need Help With a Non Compete Question?

Call (781) 784-2322
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Schedule a Free Information Call
does the new Massachusetts non compete law apply to my agreement

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  • Home
  • Employment Law
    • Guide To Employment Law Content
    • Advice for Employers
    • Employment Contracts in Massachusetts
    • Discrimination in the Workplace
    • Employment Termination >
      • Massachusetts Paid Family Leave
      • Severance Pay
      • Unemployment in Massachusetts
      • Should I Accept a Severance?
    • Sexual Harassment at Work >
      • Sexual Harassment in a Small Business
      • Sexual Harassment and Non Disclosure Agreements
      • Sexual Harassment and Remote Work
    • Wage and Hour Laws >
      • Overtime Law >
        • Overtime Exemptions
        • Employee Travel Time
        • Federal or State Overtime Law
      • Massachusetts Wage Act >
        • Payment of Commissions
        • Wage Deductions
        • Late Payment of Wages
        • Paid Time Off
    • Independent Contractor Law >
      • Independent Contractor Test
      • Working As Independent Contractor
      • Hiring Independent Contractors in Massachusetts
      • Is My Independent Contractor Status Legal?
    • Non Compete Agreements >
      • Are non competes enforceable
      • Massachusetts Non Compete Act
      • Pre 2018 Massachusetts Non Competes
      • Can I Avoid My Non Compete?
    • Do I Have a Case?
  • Estate Planning
    • Guide To Estate Planning Content
    • Legacy Protection
    • Why You Need an Estate Plan
    • Why You Don't Have an Estate Plan
    • Estate Planning Documents >
      • Children with Special Needs
    • Planning for Assisted Living
    • Probate Process
  • Business Law
    • Guide To Business Law Content
    • Small Business Law
    • Business Contract Basics
    • Civil Suit Defense
    • Legal Issues for Start Ups
    • Trademark Basics
    • How to Incorporate
    • Sale of Business
  • About
    • Reviews
    • Slnlaw Offices
    • slnlaw core values
    • Publications and Interviews
    • New Client Intake and Consultation
    • Contact
  • Attorneys
    • Emily Smith-Lee >
      • 2018 Lawyer of the Year
    • Jenna Ordway
    • Rebecca Rogers
    • Sharleen Tinnin
    • Elijah Bresley
  • Legal FAQs
    • Estate Planning FAQs
    • Probate FAQs
    • Small Business FAQs
    • Wage Act FAQs
    • Commission Pay FAQs
    • Overtime FAQs
    • Independent Contractor FAQs
    • Non Compete FAQs
    • Employment Discrimination FAQs
    • Employment Termination FAQs
    • Massachusettts Unemployment FAQs
    • Severance Package FAQs
    • Medical Leave FAQs
    • Sexual Harassment FAQs
    • Employer FAQs
    • Civil Lawsuit FAQs
  • Blog