How to Navigate Non-Compete Agreements in the Tech Industry

Navigating non-compete agreements in the tech industry requires careful attention to detail and an understanding of the legal landscape.

These terms of employment, often included in employment contracts or separate agreements, restrict employees from working for or starting a competing business within a particular time frame and geographical area after leaving their current employer.

In this guide, you will learn how to navigate non-compete agreements in the tech industry.

What is a Non-Compete Agreement?

A non-compete agreement is a term of employment or contract that prevents you from taking up a role at a competitor company for a given amount of time after you have called it quits with your current company.

For example, let's assume you signed a non-compete agreement with Company A just before you accepted an employment offer. Because of this, you will be required to abide by the non-compete agreement which will prevent you from taking up a role at Company B (a competitor company) for a given period (say 3 months) after you have resigned from Company A.

The purpose of the non-compete agreement is to protect Company A after it has shared sensitive or highly classified information with you, which could benefit Company B (a competitor company) or play to their advantage if you went on to work for them.

This term of employment is usually given to individuals who are about to be hired for top-level positions. However, in some cases, it could also apply to the average job seeker.

How Then Do I Navigate the Non-Compete Agreement in the Tech Industry?

Well, for you to navigate the non-compete agreement in the tech industry, here are five strategies you will need to implement.