Source: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-law-about-noncompetition-agreements
Timestamp: 2020-04-02 16:48:02
Document Index: 730485588

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 24', '§ 12', '§ 74', '§ 129', '§ 135', '§ 186']

A compilation of laws, cases and web sources on employee noncompetition law by the Trial Court Law Libraries.
MGL c.149, § 24L Massachusetts Noncompetition Agreement Act
These laws ban noncompetition agreements for certain professions:
MGL c.112, § 12X Physicians
MGL c.112, § 74D Nurses
MGL c.112, § 129B Psychologists
MGL c.112, § 135C Social workers
MGL c.149, § 186 Broadcasting industry
Boulanger v. Dunkin' Donuts, Inc. , 442 Mass. 635 (2004)
Under the circumstances, "covenants not to compete signed by the plaintiff as part of his franchise agreements with the defendant were enforceable."
This case sets the standard for the material change doctrine "where it appeared that after working under that contract for some years the salesman's remuneration and sales area were changed substantially..."
Invidia, LLC v. DiFonzo (Mass. Superior Court, Middlesex, Oct. 22, 2012), Memorandum of Decision and Order on Plaintiff's Motion for Preliminary Injunction, Wilson, Paul D., J.)
Hairdresser posting news of job change on Facebook is not solicitation of former employer's customers.
"Agreement not to compete with Marine was reasonable in time and space."
"A covenant not to compete contained in a contract for personal services will be enforced if it is reasonable, based on all the circumstances."
An employer isn’t entitled to protection from ordinary competition.
"It has been long settled in this Commonwealth that a covenant inserted in a contract for personal service restricting trade or competition or freedom of employment is not invalid and may be enforced in equity provided it is necessary for the protection of the employer, is reasonably limited in time and space, and is consonant with the public interest. What is reasonable depends on the facts in each case."
"It is settled in this Commonwealth that such contracts are divisible and will not be enforced as to any parts of the covenant that are not reasonably necessary for the protection of the good will of the employer's business. ... What is reasonable depends upon the facts in each case"
A brief history of non-compete laws in Massachusetts , BostInno.com, April 10, 2014
Outlines the history of non-compete agreements from 1711–2014
An explanation on covenants not to compete in Massachusetts , Mass. Secretary of the Commonwealth, Citizen Information Service
Fair competition law, Beck Reed Riden LLP
This source focuses on more than just noncompetition, and includes trade secrets, privacy and security, intellectual property, and unfair competition. It’s not specific to Massachusetts, but provides substantive resources on the topic, including 50-state surveys.
Massachusetts legislature passes long-awaited non-compete law, Bowditch, August 2, 2018.
Outlines the terms of the 2018 law that restricts non-competition agreements by employers
Massachusetts noncompete law blog , Foley Hoag
"[F]ocuses on developments in Massachusetts in the areas of covenants not to compete, non-solicitation and non-disclosure agreements, trade secrets and the many related issues that arise when employees move between employers."
New Massachusetts law specifies requirements for noncompetition agreements, by David Fisher and Marissa Comart, September 26, 2018.
Outlines requirements for noncompetition agreements entered on or after October 1, 2018.
Non-compete laws: Massachusetts , Guryan, Epstein Becker & Green, P.C., 2014.
“A Q&A guide to non-compete agreements between employers and employees for private employers in Massachusetts. This Q&A addresses enforcement and drafting considerations for restrictive covenants such as post-employment covenants not to compete and non-solicitation of customers and employees. Federal, local or municipal law may impose additional or different requirements.”
Non-competes in Massachusetts: ten defenses, Conforto Law Group, 2016.
Lists 10 ways that enforcing non-compete agreements can be challenged under Massachusetts law, with links to cases and statutes.
13th Annual Business Litigation Conference , MCLE, 2014.
Section 5, "Noncompetition Agreements & Related Restrictive Covenants."
Covenants against competition in franchise agreements, ABA, 2012.
Drafting Employment Documents in Massachusetts , MCLE, loose-leaf.
Vol. II, p.1-26. See index, "Noncompetition clauses."
Chapter 31, "Employee Noncompetition Agreements"
Negotiating, drafting, and enforcing noncompetition agreements and related restrictive covenants , MCLE, 2015
Noncompetition agreements , by Scott A. Holt, Barry M. Willoughby and William W. Bowser. Bureau of National Affairs, loose-leaf.