What is a non-compete clause?

A non-compete clause is a legal agreement that restricts an employee's ability to compete with their former employer after their employment ends. This type of clause is typically used to protect a company's proprietary information, trade secrets, and the relationships they have built with clients and customers. The clause may specify a certain period during which the employee cannot engage in similar business activities, as well as a particular geographic area where the restriction applies.

By effectively limiting the former employee's ability to work for competing businesses or start a competing business, the non-compete clause helps safeguard the employer's investments in training, proprietary information, and customer relationships. Therefore, this choice accurately encapsulates the purpose and function of a non-compete clause in the context of employment and business law.