I signed a non-compete agreement when I was hired on at a company in Washington State. Recently, I decided to leave and form my own business in the same industry.
My non-compete agreement states that I cannot use any knowledge gained at my former employer whatsoever, or work in the same industry, for a period of 4 years. It has no geographical limitations.
Is this enforceable? Are the laws different for someone starting their own business than they are for someone going to work for a competitor? My business is located on the other side of the state, 200+ miles from my former employer.
Lastly, my business involves purchasing tools from our shared customers, not selling to them or providing them services. Therefore, there's really no competition at all. Would that be considered?
