Non-Compete & Restrictive Covenant Disputes
Non-compete and related agreements sit at the intersection of business and employment law — and Massachusetts has specific, evolving rules about when they're enforceable.
Parks Law Offices represents both employers enforcing these agreements and individuals defending their right to work.
The Massachusetts Noncompetition Agreement Act
For non-compete agreements entered into on or after October 1, 2018, the Massachusetts Noncompetition Agreement Act (G.L. c. 149, § 24L) imposes real requirements — including limits on duration, notice and consideration rules, and other conditions — that can determine whether an agreement holds up. Agreements that don't meet the statute's requirements may be unenforceable. We assess your agreement against the current law.
What we handle
- Enforcement of non-compete, non-solicitation, and confidentiality agreements against departing employees or competitors.
- Defense for employees and new employers facing a non-compete claim or threat.
- Trade secret and confidential-information disputes that often accompany these cases.
- Counseling on drafting enforceable agreements going forward.
Frequently asked questions
Are non-competes enforceable in Massachusetts?
Sometimes. Enforceability depends on when the agreement was signed, whether it meets the Noncompetition Agreement Act's requirements (for newer agreements), and whether it's reasonable in scope. Non-solicitation and confidentiality agreements are treated differently.
My former employer is threatening to sue over a non-compete — what should I do?
Get advice before you act. The agreement may be unenforceable or narrower than claimed, and how you handle your departure matters.
Can I still protect my business if my non-competes are weak?
Often yes — through enforceable non-solicitation and confidentiality provisions and trade-secret protections. We can help you shore these up.
Related: Business Litigation · Employment Law · Business Torts & 93A
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