Generally, a non-compete agreement prevents an employee from starting a competing business or working for a competitor for a specific period of time. In Nevada, a non-compete agreement must be reasonable in both the timing of the non-competition period and the scope of the territory covered.
An employee may be asked to sign a non-compete agreement at the time of hire, during the course of employment, or as a provision for a severance agreement. Even if a non-compete agreement is so poorly drafted that it may not be legally enforceable and might not stand up in court, such an agreement may deter prospective employers from hiring someone.
If you have been asked to sign a non-compete agreement as part of your employment, it is important to have the agreement reviewed by an attorney prior to signing the agreement. If you are thinking of leaving your employer so that you can work for a competitor or to start your own business, we recommend that you first verify that you are not bound by a non-compete agreement.
We are here to help. If you have a non-compete issue, please call or email us to set up a free, confidential consultation so that we may discuss your situation. Our attorneys have extensive knowledge concerning non-compete agreements, and we can counsel you regarding your rights and responsibilities when you are a party to a non-compete agreement.
