Does a 1 year non-compete clause stop me from working in the same business if I'm not getting paid duing that 1st year?

Attorney answers (4)

1. Licensed in PA

   

   Edward Sweeney

   Downingtown Employment / Labor Attorney

   Contributor Level 13

   2

   Lawyers agree

   Answered February 23, 2013 18:04. This creates obvious problems of trust. I doubt in this sceptical world you would be able to convince many you were providing free work for a year, and as the other attorney said, you might take work away from your former company. I'd have to reviewe your agreement because any out for you would have to be that the franchise agreeement does not specifically cover your situation.

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2. Licensed in PA

   

   Rochelle Rabin

   Malvern Employment / Labor Attorney

   Contributor Level 8

   Answered February 28, 2013 01:17. As the other attorneys said, competition is competition. And if you're not going to charge for your services, you would be REAL competition! What's better than free?? If you're hoping there's a loophole in the law of noncompetes in Pennsylvania that exempts you if you don't charge, I honestly don't know the answer to that, although I'm not real optimistic. But it's possible that the courts have considered that type of case and in some circumstances there may be an exemption. Someone could research that point to give you a definitive answer.
   
   There is one more thing to look at, however. Noncompetes in PA have to be reasonable in "scope AND duration." So in addition to the 1 year time frame, look at the scope -- the geographic limitations of the noncompete. Does the noncompete have a reasonable geographic boundary? For example, are you only forbidden from competing in, say, Philadelphia, Bucks & Montgomery Counties? If so, maybe think about opening up in Chester, Delaware, Camden, or Burlington County. Or maybe look to see if the geographic area is unreasonably large, in which case you might be able to convince a court to limit the territory that's covered by the noncompete. Note that in some internet-based or specialty businesses, it is considered to be reasonable to have a larger restricted territory because of the way that particular market operates.
   
   Of course, I can't give you specific legal advice without seeing the actual document and knowing more about the type of business and its operations. Please note that, while AVVO has me labelled as a "divorce attorney," I have considerable experience in noncompetition agreements.

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3. 

   Glenn Honda

   Honolulu Personal Injury Lawyer

   Contributor Level 11

   1

   Lawyer agrees

   Answered February 23, 2013 18:36. I agree with the other attorneys. No matter which way you try to slant this, you may likely be in violation of your agreement. Be very careful.

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4. 

   Clayton WalkerPro

   Anchorage Business Attorney

   Contributor Level 13

   

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   Answered February 23, 2013 16:44. The fact pattern you suggest likely is not adequate to escape a non-compete clause. Even if you gave product and services away for free you would be taking business away from their operation. There are other arguments that may be more effective to defeat the clause. If you got out of the franchise agreement because of they breached the agreement then the non-compete may not be enforceable. The party breaching a contract releases the other party's performance. Noncompete agreements must also be reasonable in duration, scope of activity prohibited and geographical area. Each of these issues will require review of the actual document. When the agreement was signed can be material. If it was years ago when you started the business it will not be as useful to them as a recent document. If the non-compete was part of the separation agreement, it will likely be enforceable. If they were to pay for the agreement and failed to pay it likely lets you off the hook. Noncompete agreements are a restraint on trade. As such they are not favored by the courts. The Texas legislature and Texas Supreme Court has been waging a battle over the issue for decades. Washington State tends to favor them more. Every state will be unique and the fact patterns and contract terms will be unique. Accordingly, you should talk with a local litigation attorney familiar with the subject.

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