Illinois and many other states severely restrict the use and enforcement of non-competition and non-solicitation contracts and provisions relating to employees and former employees. The Federal Trade Commission also proposed rules to ban all existing and future contract provisions relating to similar restrictions on former employees. Patent, copyright, and other Federal and State protections for trade secrets and your confidential and proprietary information of a competitive nature remain. In light of these changes, each business should review any existing employee non-competition and non-solicitation agreements to ensure legal compliance.

If we can assist you in adapting to this change or addressing trade secret or employee issues, please call us.

This Bulletin is designed to provide our friends and clients with information regarding the various subject matters covered, it is not designed to take place of legal, accounting, or other professional advice.  If expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. This memorandum may constitute advertising under the rules regulating Illinois attorneys.