In California, most employee noncompetes are void, because the law broadly protects employee mobility. The California Supreme Court has made clear that employee noncompetes are invalid unless a specific statutory exception applies (for example, certain sale-of-business situations).
Employers often relabel noncompete as “nonsolicitation” to make them sound safer. In California, that label does not guarantee enforceability. Employees and even prospective employees can sue for injunction and/or damages, and a prevailing worker can recover attorney’s fees and costs.
Reach out to Attorney 4 Employment Rights. We can review the exact language, tell you what is likely void vs. what is genuinely risky, and help you plan a job move (or negotiation) without stepping into avoidable legal traps.
