Companies fight hard to carve out their sector in the marketplace. It can take years to establish this position, and maintaining prominence requires constant vigilance. In some situations, it may be necessary to protect a company against the actions of its current and former employees. This is especially true when these employees possess specialized skills that could directly benefit direct competitors. If these employees were to work for those competitors, it might threaten a company’s finances. Fortunately, a Washington DC non-compete agreement lawyer could help to prevent this outcome.
By using non-compete agreements, a company may prohibit a worker from taking on a job with a competitor in the area. In addition, one of our experienced attorneys could take the lead if a former employee takes steps that breach these contracts.
A non-compete agreement serves a simple purpose. These contracts state that once an employee leaves a company, they cannot take on a job with a competitor. This works as a way to protect an employer’s position within the marketplace as well as their intellectual property.
As powerful as these agreements can be, they are not without their limitations. In fact, the Council of the District of Columbia acted to outlaw these agreements as a condition of employment. D.C. Act § 23-563 became law on January 11, 2021. While not yet in effect, this new legislation effectively bans non-compete agreements as a condition of employment anywhere in the District.
However, this does not mean that existing agreements do not retain their power. A Washington DC attorney could provide more information about the changes in District law and how they impact past and present non-compete agreements.
While District law will soon prohibit non-compete agreements, it is likely that many of these agreements will remain enforceable. As a result, disputes over the enforceability of these agreements can still occur. These can include debates over whether a non-compete is valid as well as whether either party has breached the agreement.
A Washington DC lawyer could take the lead in protecting the rights of a business when potential violations of a non-compete agreement arise. This could include negotiating to settle disputes or even filing lawsuits in District courts that demand the enforcement of remedies described in these contracts.
Non-compete agreements have long been a controversial way for companies to retain control over their workers after their employment has come to an end. Additionally, apparent breaches can allow workplaces to enforce penalties against their former workers.
While a new law will go into effect that prohibits these agreements, past and current contracts still retain their enforceability. If you a business owner attempting to enforce these contracts, a Washington DC non-compete agreements lawyer is ready to step in. Give our firm today to make an appointment.
The Law Offices of Jay Gupta