Non-compete agreements in Dallas need to be taken seriously in today’s fast-paced business world. Companies that do business in Texas need to understand how these agreements work and how they can protect their valuable assets and confidential information.

These agreements are between a business entity and an employee, as well as between two business entities or corporations. They are typically designed to prevent an employee from working for or starting a competing business for a certain period of time after leaving the current business and potentially using confidential information or resources. The scope of the non-compete depends on a variety of factors, including the type of business, the work performed by the employee, and the age of the employee.

For business owners and entrepreneurs in the Dallas area, it can be difficult to find the right counsel to help navigate these legal and business complexities. Fortunately, UpCounsel is the solution to finding legal services specific to the Dallas area. They provide access to experienced lawyers, many of whom have expertise in non-compete agreements.

In this article, we’ll review the details of non-compete agreements and how they are used in the Dallas business landscape. We’ll also discuss how to find the right attorney to help with a non-compete dispute or negotiation.

Understanding Non-Compete Agreements

A non-compete agreement is a contract between an employer and employee that prevents the employee from working with a competitor of the business for a designated period of time. The scope and details of the agreement depend on the nature of the job, the industry, and the specific geographical location.

The agreement is designed to protect a business’s confidential information, customer base, and other proprietary resources. It is an explicit statement that the employee will not use sensitive, confidential, or trade secret information from the company in order to compete against the company.

In the U.S., non-competes are regulated by state laws, and in Texas, the rules governing non-competes vary from those in other states. It’s important that businesses in Dallas and throughout Texas seek out counsel knowledgeable in local laws in order to fully protect their business assets.

Considering Non-Competes in Dallas

Non-competes are accepted and enforced in the state of Texas, but there are limitations and restrictions.

For example, Texas does not accept non-competes with employees under the age of 18 or military veterans. Additionally, the scope of the agreement must be reasonable in terms of geography, customer base, and duration.

It’s important to note that a non-compete in Texas does not have to be in writing. That means an oral discussion of a non-compete could be enforced in a legal situation. Further, Texas is unique in that it does not stipulate a “blue pencil” test, wherein invalid portions of the agreement are simply excised as opposed to voiding the entire agreement.

Keep in mind that attempting to enforce an overly-restrictive non-compete can result in a costly, drawn-out legal dispute. That’s why having a qualified attorney review the agreement and offer guidance is so important.

Finding the Right Attorney for Non-Competes in Dallas

With UpCounsel, business owners in Dallas have access to experienced attorneys who specialize in non-compete agreements. UpCounsel offers a network of leading attorneys with average experience of 14 years. With UpCounsel, you can search their network of attorneys and read their profiles, client reviews, and ratings to find the right fit for your legal needs. UpCounsel provides access to experienced attorneys on-demand, so whether you need a one-time consult or an entire freelance legal department, UpCounsel has you covered.

Topics:

Non-Compete,

Dallas,

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