Tag: noncompetes

No Severance, No Noncompete: VA’s New Termination Without Cause Rule

Virginia has drawn a bright line for employers: If you terminate an employee without cause and don’t provide for severance, you cannot enforce a noncompete. Governor Abigail Spanberger recently signed SB170 into law, codifying this “no severance, no noncompete” rule, effective July 1, 2026. If your company uses noncompetes, nonsolicitation agreements, or other restrictive covenants, […]

At Public Meeting, FTC Indicated Intent to Prosecute Unreasonable Noncompetes

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a half-day program on January 27, 2026, focused on employee noncompetes. The FTC indicated its intent to pursue prosecution of agreements that violate antitrust or otherwise inappropriately limit employee choice. However, the commission is not reproposing the prior rule banning all noncompetes. If workers have issues, the agency suggests […]

Could Noncompete Agreements Be on The Way Out?

Noncompete agreements, which restrict a worker’s ability to work for a competitor, have come under increased scrutiny in recent years. As states continue to institute their own versions of comprehensive noncompete reform, many of which include limiting who can be asked to sign a noncompete agreement and other restrictions, more changes may be coming at […]

Washington Law Limiting Noncompetes Takes Effect January 1

Washington’s new law significantly restricting employers’ use of noncompetition agreements takes effect January 1, 2020. In addition to limiting the use of noncompetes, the law provides for generous damages when an individual successfully claims a noncompete is unenforceable.