Non-compete agreements are typically considered enforceable if they: Have reasonable time restrictions (generally less than one year) Are limited to a certain geographic area (specific cities or counties, rather than entire states)

How do you get around a non-compete?

Typically, the only way to fight a non-compete agreement is to go to court. If you are an employee (or former employee) who signed such an agreement, this means you must violate the agreement and wait to be sued. It may be that your former employer has never sued another employee to enforce the non-compete agreement.

How legally binding is a non-compete?

According to the California Business and Professions Code Section 16600, “every contract by which anyone is restrained from engaging in a lawful profession, trade, or business of any kind is to that extent void.” In other words, non-compete agreements are not enforceable in California.