Court Opinion

ID: 9487233
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-05 12:11:31.411165+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T17:52:09.711331
License: Public Domain

MANION, Circuit Judge,
dissenting.
I would prefer to dismiss this appeal because it is moot. David Webb has ceased his employment with THC, and is thus no longer in breach of the covenant not to compete. Were he to become employed again with another competitor during the duration of the non-compete clause, the validity of that clause would be ripe for review. Since the duration of the non-compete clause is tolled while Webb is in breach of that clause, as long as he is employed by a competitor this issue would not evade review. If he gets out of the business there is no need for review.
By accepting jurisdiction over this appeal and going on to the merits of the case with an analysis of Kentucky state law, we perhaps resolve any claims for future litigation under this particular covenant, including the still pending breach of contract claim. However, if we were to conclude that this appeal is moot, it is likely that the district court would dismiss the breach of contract claim against Mr. Webb as well. An appeal from such a dismissal would present the opportunity to review the identical issue now before the court.