Multinational corporations, including the Whirlpool Corporation located in Benton Harbor, Michigan, often request (or demand) their employees sign non-compete agreements.
Non-compete agreements are a contract between an employer and employee. The contract typically restricts an employee’s ability to leave his or her current position to join a similar or competing business. Many times the contract also places restrictions on the use of confidential information obtained through the individual’s current employment.
Yes, but there are limits. Non-compete agreements are enforceable to protect the employer’s legitimate business interests and must be reasonable in terms of geographical scope and duration.
Often times employers intentionally draft non-compete agreements that cross the line. Whirlpool Corporation has previously drafter and required employees to sign noncompete agreements that, in part, have been ruled unenforceable. See Whirlpool Corp v Burns, 457 F Supp 2d 808 (WD MI 2006).
At the very least, you should understand the terms and conditions of the contract by consulting with an attorney. You may be able to edit the contract to clear up ambiguities or obtain additional consideration in exchange for your signature.
If you have been asked to sign a non-compete agreement, contact our St. Joseph, Michigan office today at 269-281-3908 or through the form below.
In May 2025, as part of a settlement of litigation involving college football, a new entity was created called the College Sports Commission (“CSC” or “Commission”). See news media reports here and here. Among many other purposes, the CSC will monitor and approve name, image, and likeness (“NIL”) agreements for college athletes. As the term […]
Read more about Fairness Factors For Your College NIL Agreement
Trademarks are words, designs, symbols, logos, and other things that are used/associated with goods or services that identify the specific commercial source of the goods/services. COCA-COLA, APPLE, and GUCCI are just a few famous examples. If COCA-COLA is on the bottle, consumers know what to expect from the beverage in the bottle. The same for […]
Read more about Is a “Fanciful” Trademark the Best Type of Trademark?
Getting an endorsement deal as a social media influencer may be a seminal event financially and for the progress of your career. However, the question always has to be asked whether your endorsement deal is fair. In other words, are you getting paid what you are worth? There are a number of factors that can […]
Read more about Is Your Social Media Influencer Endorsement Deal Fair?