Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLCScarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLC

Firm Insights

An Unrestricted Look At Restrictive Covenants

Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC

Date: May 13, 2015

Key Contacts

Back

A restrictive covenant generally refers to the portion of an agreement that legally binds someone to either take, or abstain from taking, certain actions. If these obligations are broken, penalties or legal action could follow.

As mentioned above, there are consequences for breaking a restrictive covenant. But what exactly is the special obligation included in these contracts?

Basically, it’s a promise made by someone, but for our purposes, the agreement is often made between one employer and an employee.

For example, a non-compete clause can be an example of a restrictive covenant. In this case, let’s say that someone works for a particular major film studio. He or she signed a contract with the company and within that agreement lies an explicit promise that the individual will not move to a rival studio within six months of leaving his or her current job. This promise is considered a restrictive covenant.

A non-compete clause as a restrictive covenant can prove useful in maintaining secrecy around sensitive information employees could take to competitors should they find a new job.

There are a number of other restrictive covenants out there. For example, there are non-solicitation covenants, which prevent the pilfering of clients, customers or suppliers of the employer by a former employee. Additionally, there are non-dealing clauses, which prevent the former employee from engaging with his or her old clients, customers or suppliers.

Often times, these agreements are written in a narrow, concise manner to make them easily justifiable and difficult to challenge in court. When a restrictive clause is challenged, it will often require outside help. If you find yourself trying to put together your own restrictive covenant, or trying to navigate a particularly difficult one included in one of your signed contracts, don’t hesitate to contact an attorney for assistance.

No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.

Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLC

Related Posts

See all
Understanding Chattel Paper: A Key Component in Secured Transactions post image

Understanding Chattel Paper: A Key Component in Secured Transactions

Using chattel paper to obtain a security interest in personal property is a powerful tool. It can ensure lenders have a legal claim on collateral ranging from inventory to intellectual property. To reduce risk and protect your legal rights, businesses and lenders should understand the legal framework. This framework governs the creation, sale, and enforcement […]

Author: Dan Brecher

Link to post with title - "Understanding Chattel Paper: A Key Component in Secured Transactions"
Crypto Compliance: A Comprehensive Guide post image

Crypto Compliance: A Comprehensive Guide

For years, digital assets operated in a legal gray area, a frontier where innovation outpaced the reach of regulators and law enforcement. In this early “Wild West” phase of finance, crypto startups thrived under minimal oversight. That era, however, is coming to an end. The importance of crypto compliance has become paramount as cryptocurrency has […]

Author: Bryce S. Robins

Link to post with title - "Crypto Compliance: A Comprehensive Guide"
Supreme Court and Title VII: Implications for Reverse Discrimination post image

Supreme Court and Title VII: Implications for Reverse Discrimination

Earlier this month, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision in Ames v. Ohio Department of Youth Services vitiating the so-called “background circumstances” test required by half of federal circuit courts.1 The background circumstances test required majority group plaintiffs pleading discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act to meet a heightened pleading standard […]

Author: Matthew F. Mimnaugh

Link to post with title - "Supreme Court and Title VII: Implications for Reverse Discrimination"
SPACs Are Back, What You Need to Know post image

SPACs Are Back, What You Need to Know

Special purpose acquisition companies (better known as SPACs) appear to be making a comeback. SPAC offerings for 2025 have already nearly surpassed last year’s totals, with additional transactions in the pipeline. SPACs last experienced a boom between 2020–2021, with approximately 600 U.S. companies raising a record $163 billion in 2021. Notable companies that went public […]

Author: Dan Brecher

Link to post with title - "SPACs Are Back, What You Need to Know"
Short Form Merger: Streamlining the Process for Businesses post image

Short Form Merger: Streamlining the Process for Businesses

Merging two companies is a complex legal and business transaction. A short form merger, in which an acquiring company merges with a subsidiary corporation, offers a more streamlined process that involves important corporate governance considerations. A short form merger, in which an acquiring company merges with a subsidiary corporation, offers a more streamlined process. However, […]

Author: Dan Brecher

Link to post with title - "Short Form Merger: Streamlining the Process for Businesses"
Tariff Response Options for Small Businesses Facing Financial Distress post image

Tariff Response Options for Small Businesses Facing Financial Distress

The Trump Administration’s new tariffs are having an oversized impact on small businesses, which already tend to operate on razor thin margins. Many businesses have been forced to raise prices, find new suppliers, lay off staff, and delay growth plans. For businesses facing even more dire financial circumstances, there are additional tariff response options, including […]

Author: Brian D. Spector

Link to post with title - "Tariff Response Options for Small Businesses Facing Financial Distress"

No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.

Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!

Explore What Matters Most to You.

Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.

Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.

Let`s get in touch!

* The use of the Internet or this form for communication with the firm or any individual member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form.

Sign up to get the latest from the Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC attorneys!