Non-Compete Agreements
Non-compete agreements are designed to protect employers against unfair competition by their former employees and the competing businesses that hire these employees. An employee who signs a non-compete agreement—also known as a restrictive covenant or covenant not to compete—promises not to engage in certain competitive activities both during and after termination of employment.
At Minenko & Hoff, P.A., we help companies draft and enforce their non-compete agreements. We also represent employees who have signed non-compete agreements, advising them about possible defenses to enforcement of the work restrictions in these agreements.
Non-compete agreements in Minnesota
To be valid and enforceable, an employee's agreement not to compete must be the following:
- Necessary to protect a legitimate business interest of the employer, such as customer goodwill or confidential trade secret information
- Supported by consideration—the employee must receive some benefit for signing
- Reasonable in scope, duration, and geography
Employers
Non-compete agreements require careful drafting. It is crucial that current state law be considered when drafting a non-compete agreement. Errors can void the agreement. At Minenko & Hoff, P.A., we can help protect your business by drafting enforceable non-compete agreements and by vigorously pursuing enforcement of these agreements.
Employees
Employees who have signed non-compete agreements must take them very seriously. If you violate a valid non-compete agreement, you may be sued for money damages and prevented from pursuing your new employment or business opportunity. If you need to know whether a non-compete agreement hinders your future employment plans or if you are being sued for breach of a non-compete agreement, Minenko & Hoff, P.A. can help. We can review your non-compete agreement to determine if it is enforceable.
Contact Minenko & Hoff, P.A. today
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