In recent years, there has been an explosion both in the use and the enforcement of noncompete agreements and other restrictive covenants. However, the economy has given pause to some courts that otherwise would routinely enforce these agreements. Nevertheless, the legitimate business interests that support the noncompete agreements — the protection of trade secrets, confidential business information, and goodwill — remain a top priority for many companies. How will courts look at noncompete and restrictive covenant issues in the current economic climate? How will courts look at these issues during a recovery? What will a court do if an employee moves out of one state to another that does not enforce noncompete agreements?
Please join us for a Foley Executive Briefing Series program, which will feature a brief discussion of applicable law followed by a first-time extended question and answer session exploring the issues that are most important to the audience.
The program will provide:
- An overview of the various types of restrictive covenants
- An overview of the law applicable to noncompete agreements and related restrictive covenants
- A discussion of the impact of the economy on the enforceability of restrictive covenants
- An extended Q&A session
The informal session will be moderated by Foley Partner Russell Beck and Senior Counsel Stephen D. Riden, both of the firm’s Commercial Litigation and Intellectual Property Litigation practices. Mr. Beck and Mr. Riden each have extensive experience counseling clients about noncompete agreements and other restrictive covenants as well as drafting, enforcing, and defending against the enforcement of such agreements. In addition, Mr. Beck is chair of Foley’s Trade Secret/Noncompete Task Force and has recently completed a book on noncompete agreements in Massachusetts, published by MCLE.
Ask the Attorneys: Noncompetes and Restrictive Covenants is part of the Foley Executive Briefing Series.