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Texas Non-Compete Agreement Template

This Non-Compete Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into as of [Date], by and between [Employee/Contractor Name], with an address of [Employee/Contractor Address] ("Employee"), and [Company Name], with an address of [Company Address] ("Company").

In consideration of the mutual covenants and promises contained herein, both parties agree to the following terms, in accordance with Texas law:

  1. Purpose: The purpose of this Agreement is to protect the Company’s legitimate business interests, including trade secrets, confidential information, and customer relationships.
  2. Non-Compete Obligation: During the term of employment with the Company and for a period of [Duration] following termination, Employee agrees not to engage in any business activities that directly compete with the Company within the following geographical area: [Geographic Area].
  3. Permitted Activities: Notwithstanding the non-compete provision, Employee may engage in the following activities without restriction:
    • Employment with a company that does not compete with the Company.
    • Ownership of less than 5% of publicly traded stock of a competing business.
  4. Consideration: The Company will provide Employee with [Consideration or Benefits] in exchange for the covenants in this Agreement.
  5. Severability: If any provision of this Agreement is found to be unenforceable or invalid, the remaining provisions will continue to be in effect.
  6. Governing Law: This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Non-Compete Agreement as of the date first above written.

Employee Signature: ___________________________

Date: ___________________________

Company Signature: ___________________________

Date: ___________________________

Common mistakes

Filling out a Texas Non-compete Agreement form can be a straightforward process, but many individuals make common mistakes that can lead to complications. One prevalent error is failing to specify the duration of the non-compete clause. This section is crucial, as Texas law requires the duration to be reasonable. Without a clear time frame, the agreement may be deemed unenforceable.

Another mistake involves neglecting to define the geographic area covered by the non-compete. The agreement must outline where the restrictions apply. If the area is too broad or vague, it may not hold up in court. A well-defined geographic scope helps ensure the agreement is enforceable and protects the employer’s legitimate business interests.

Some individuals overlook the importance of including specific activities that are restricted under the agreement. The non-compete should clearly state what actions are prohibited after leaving the job. Without this clarity, employees may inadvertently engage in activities that violate the agreement, leading to potential legal issues.

Additionally, failing to consider the consideration provided for signing the agreement is another common mistake. In Texas, there must be something of value exchanged for the employee's agreement to the non-compete. This could be a job offer, a promotion, or access to confidential information. Without adequate consideration, the agreement may be unenforceable.

Lastly, individuals often forget to review the entire document before signing. It is essential to read through the entire agreement carefully. Sometimes, clauses may be included that are not fully understood. Taking the time to comprehend each part of the document can prevent future misunderstandings and disputes.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Texas Non-compete Agreement form, it's important to be careful and thorough. Here are some dos and don'ts to keep in mind:

  • Do read the entire agreement carefully before signing.
  • Do understand the terms, including the duration and geographic scope of the non-compete.
  • Do consult with a legal professional if you have any questions or concerns.
  • Do ensure that the agreement is reasonable and not overly restrictive.
  • Don't rush through the form. Take your time to fill it out accurately.
  • Don't ignore any clauses that may seem confusing or unfair.
  • Don't forget to keep a copy of the signed agreement for your records.

Similar forms

  • Non-disclosure Agreement (NDA): This document protects confidential information. It prevents parties from sharing sensitive business information with outsiders, similar to how a non-compete agreement restricts competition.
  • Non-solicitation Agreement: This agreement prohibits one party from soliciting the clients or employees of another party. Like a non-compete agreement, it aims to protect business interests by limiting competitive behavior.
  • Employment Agreement: This document outlines the terms of employment, including duties, compensation, and duration. It often includes non-compete clauses to safeguard the employer's business interests.
  • Confidentiality Agreement: This document ensures that sensitive information remains private. It shares similarities with a non-compete agreement in that both seek to protect proprietary information from being disclosed or used against the business.
  • Partnership Agreement: This outlines the terms of a partnership between two or more parties. Non-compete clauses may be included to prevent partners from engaging in competing businesses during and after the partnership.
  • Franchise Agreement: This document governs the relationship between a franchisor and franchisee. It often includes non-compete provisions to maintain brand integrity and prevent competition within designated territories.
  • Non-disclosure Agreement (NDA): Both documents seek to protect confidential information. An NDA restricts parties from sharing sensitive business information, while a non-compete agreement prevents employees from using trade secrets to compete against their former employer. For more information, you can visit OnlineLawDocs.com.

  • Service Agreement: This outlines the terms under which services are provided. Non-compete clauses may be included to ensure that the service provider does not engage in similar services that could harm the client’s business.