I received this question by email:  I was terminated by my job, however, when I was hired, I signed a noncompete agreement.  Is it valid now that they fired me? 

 

This is my answer:  I have a typical lawyer answer…it depends.  What does it depend on?  Mainly, the language of the agreement and the circumstances of your hiring.  Most noncompete contracts state that your promise to not to compete with your employer survives termination, or remains in effect after your termination.  However, a court will only enforce this noncompete if it has a reseasonable time-limit and geographic-limit.  Also, a noncompete is only enforceable, if you signed it when you accepted the position with the employer. So, to answer your question completely, I would need to actually read your agreement.  My best advice is to contact a lawyer who is familar with business law.  If you want to receive a basic understanding about noncompete agreements in Pennsylvania, the internet offers many free legal research web-sites.  Check out:

 

 

 

 

Know that contract law is governed by state law.  So, be sure that any material you are reading, specifically discusses Pennsylvania law. Visit my website for basic information about contract law in Pennsylvania – http://www.mckeeoffice.com/contracts.html

 

Feel free to contact my office anytime. 

Do you have a legal question? Send your question to us at http://wp.me/PN9wo-gz 

Good luck.

 

Sharmil McKee  |  Business Lawyer  | blog@mckeeoffice.com