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Can a contractor sign a non-compete?

By Sophia Edwards

As a business owner, your contracts with any contractors must be properly drafted. One of the essential clauses within these types of agreements is a non-compete clause. A non-compete clause aims to limit any potential conflict of interest between you and your contractor.

Are restrictive covenants enforceable against independent contractors?

Because the independent contractor should generally be free to do perform business for multiple clients, many courts do not enforce such agreements when they are seen as a restraint on trade. In some instances, a court may enforce a covenant not to compete.

Can a 1099 employee be held to a non-compete?

Generally speaking, if a person or entity truly is an independent contractor, a non-compete clause or agreement will not be enforceable against him/her/it. Generally speaking, you cannot compel an independent contractor to forfeit their livelihood just because you honored it by giving it your business.

Can an independent contractor work for a competitor?

Independent contractors are workers who are permitted to work for multiple companies, even competitors, at the same time. These agreement are more likely to be enforced against a contractor than non-competition agreements.

As a business owner, your contracts with any contractors must be properly drafted. A non-compete clause aims to limit any potential conflict of interest between you and your contractor. Under a non-compete clause, you will generally be able to protect your interests against your contractor.

Are there dangers of having an independent contractor sign a non-compete agreement?

Coupled with the possibility of re-classifying the independent contractor as an employee, the risks often outweigh the benefits of having an independent contractor sign a non-compete agreement. An independent contractor is expected to work for other businesses and have multiple contracts.

What do you need to know about non-compete agreements?

Non-Compete Agreements A non-compete agreement is an agreement in which one party agrees not to work for a competitor or within a specific industry for a specified period of time and within a specific geographical location. This agreement may be made in return for employment with the company or some other benefit.

Is it possible to void a non-compete contract?

Voiding a non-compete contract is possible in certain circumstances. For instance, if you can prove that you never signed the contract, or if you can demonstrate that the contract is against the public interest, you may be able to void the agreement.

When to sign a non-compete agreement with student loans?

Suggest that you sign a non-disclosure agreement but without the geographic limitation. Or you might argue to shorten the time period, for instance, by pointing out that with your student loans, you can’t afford to be out of work for six months, but a six- to eight-week period seems fair.