In California, agreements that prevent an employee from competing against a former employer are generally unenforceable. The California Business and Professions Code treats such noncompete agreements as against public policy and void. There are exceptions for partners, LLC Members, and other business owners, but those exceptions are narrow. In fact, California law makes it unlawful for an employer to require an employee to sign a noncompete agreement. A California employee who has been forced to sign an unlawful noncompete agreement may bring suit against the employer and recover penalties and damages.