Non-compete agreements are also used in the sale of a business to prevent the original owner from creating a similar company in the same geographic area.
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Enforceability in Arkansas
Non-compete agreements are enforceable provided that the employer has a protectable business interest (e.g., trade secrets, intellectual property, customer lists, etc.) and that the contract is limited to the scope necessary to protect their interest.[1]
When it IS Enforceable
- Reasonable scope. The agreement does not go beyond what is required to defend the employer’s protectable business interests.
- Protectable business interests. The agreement may be enforced if the employee has had access to:
- Trade secrets;
- Intellectual property;
- Client lists;
- Business know-how or methods;
- Profit margins or costs;
- Proprietary information;
- Employer training; or
- Information that would decrease in value if disclosed to other parties.[2]
When it’s NOT Enforceable
- Excessive restrictions. The agreement places more restrictions than necessary to safeguard the employer’s business interest.
- Medical professionals. Individuals licensed in any profession under Title 17, Subtitle 3 of the Arkansas Code cannot be restricted by a non-compete clause.[3][4]
Maximum Time Period
Two (2) Years. Two (2) years after employment is considered fair unless a particular circumstance demonstrates two (2) years is insufficient to preserve the employer’s business interest.[5]
Geographical Area
A non-compete agreement that does not define a geographical range is not considered unreasonably general if the contract is fair in time and scope.[6]
Consideration
The continued employment of the employee is adequate consideration for a non-compete agreement.[7]
Sources
- Ark. Code § 4-75-101(a)
- Ark. Code § 4-75-101(b)
- Ark. Code § 4-75-101(j)(2)
- Title 17, Subtitle 3
- Ark. Code § 4-75-101(d)
- Ark. Code § 4-75-101(c)
- Ark. Code § 4-75-101(g)
- Ark. Code § 4-75-101(f)
Related Forms (2)
Arkansas Non-Disclosure Agreement – Used to ensure information exchanged between two (2) parties remains confidential.
Download: PDF, Word (.docx), OpenDocument
Arkansas Non-Solicitation Agreement – A legal agreement that forbids employees from interacting with clients and coworkers for personal gain.
Download: PDF, Word (.docx), OpenDocument