Should I Sign A NonCompete?

Massachusetts does not require that you sign a noncompete agreement in order to accept and fulfill a job offer. However, some employers may ask you to sign one anyway, and if they do so, it is important that you read it carefully before signing.

Noncompete agreements are legal contracts between an employer and employee that restrict what the employee can do after leaving their job. These agreements are often designed to protect trade secrets, confidential information, or other proprietary information of the employer. In some cases, noncompetes may also be used to prevent employees from competing with their former employers by continuing similar work at another company.

In Massachusetts, noncompetes are enforceable only if they serve a legitimate business interest; are reasonable in duration; do not impose an undue hardship on the employee; and do not harm public interests like competition or consumer protection laws. If an employer asks you to sign a noncompete agreement without first establishing these criteria for its enforcement then it is very likely that any such agreement would be unenforceable against you should you ever choose to leave your job with them later on down the road.

Before signing a noncompete, consider hiring an attorney to read the noncompete and advise you. We would be happy to assist you in the matter. Please call our offices at 413-732-8356.