Non-Competition Agreements in Washington

You have just landed your dream job, but there is one last item of business your new employer would like to cover as part of the deal. You have been asked to sign non-competition agreement. What should you do?In Washington, non-competition agreements are enforceable if the terms are reasonable and necessary to protect employer information or relationships which are unique to its operation such as customer lists or technical information or trade secrets. Factors considered in determining whether an agreement is reasonable include the hardship it would place on a former employee, its effect on the general public and the restrictions placed on the duration, territory covered and the activity the former employee.If you are being asked to sign the non-competition agreement before you start work, that type of agreement, assuming that it is reasonable, is generally enforceable. However, if you are being asked to sign an agreement after you have been hired, then the employer must offer you additional consideration in order for the agreement to be enforceable. The consideration must be something of value, other than continued employment.If you are asked to sign a non-compete or if you have already signed one and want to know how it may affect your career, you should talk to an experienced attorney who can help you determine your best course of action.