Homepage Attorney-Approved Non-compete Agreement Document Free Non-compete Agreement Template for the State of Michigan

Form Breakdown

Fact Name Details
Definition A non-compete agreement is a contract that restricts an employee from competing with their employer after leaving the company.
Governing Law The Michigan Non-Compete Agreement is governed by the Michigan Compiled Laws, specifically MCL 445.774a.
Enforceability Non-compete agreements in Michigan are enforceable if they are reasonable in scope, duration, and geographic area.
Duration Limitations Typically, a non-compete agreement should not exceed one to two years to be considered reasonable.
Geographic Scope The agreement must clearly define the geographic area in which the employee is restricted from working.
Consideration For a non-compete agreement to be valid, the employee must receive something of value, such as employment or training.
Judicial Review Courts in Michigan have the authority to modify or enforce non-compete agreements to make them reasonable.
Industry Specifics Certain industries may have specific regulations or considerations regarding non-compete agreements.

Sample - Michigan Non-compete Agreement Form

Michigan Non-Compete Agreement

This Non-Compete Agreement ("Agreement") is made and entered into on this ___ day of __________, 20___, by and between:

  • Employee: ________________________________
  • Employer: ________________________________

Whereas, the Employee acknowledges that during the course of employment with the Employer, they will have access to confidential information regarding the business operations, strategies, and clients of the Employer;

Now, therefore, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants herein contained, the parties agree as follows:

  1. Non-Compete Obligation: The Employee agrees that for a period of ___ [one/two/three] years following the termination of employment, they will not directly or indirectly engage in any business activities that compete with the Employer's business within a radius of ___ miles from the Employer's principal place of business.
  2. Non-Solicitation: The Employee shall not solicit any clients or customers of the Employer for a period of ___ [one/two/three] years after leaving the Employer's employment.
  3. Confidential Information: The Employee agrees to keep confidential all proprietary information obtained during their employment. This obligation survives the termination of this Agreement.
  4. Governing Law: This Agreement will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Michigan.
  5. Entire Agreement: This document constitutes the entire Agreement between the parties and supersedes all prior agreements or understandings, whether written or oral.

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

Employee Signature: ___________________________ Date: ________________

Employer Signature: __________________________ Date: ________________

Common mistakes

Filling out a Michigan Non-compete Agreement form can be a daunting task. Many individuals overlook crucial details that can affect the enforceability of the agreement. One common mistake is failing to clearly define the scope of the non-compete. Without a specific description of what activities are restricted, the agreement may become too broad and unenforceable.

Another frequent error is not specifying the geographic area covered by the non-compete. If the agreement does not limit the geographic scope, it may be deemed unreasonable. This can lead to confusion and potential legal challenges down the line. It’s essential to be precise about where the restrictions apply.

People often neglect to include a time frame for the non-compete restrictions. An indefinite duration can make the agreement unenforceable. A reasonable time limit—typically ranging from six months to two years—should be established to ensure that the agreement is fair and legally sound.

Additionally, failing to consider the consideration for the non-compete is a significant oversight. In Michigan, for a non-compete agreement to be enforceable, the employee must receive something of value in exchange for signing it. This could be a job offer, a promotion, or access to confidential information. Without this exchange, the agreement may lack legal standing.

Many individuals also forget to review the agreement for clarity and readability. Legal jargon can make it difficult for employees to understand their rights and obligations. A well-drafted agreement should be straightforward and easy to comprehend, ensuring that all parties are on the same page.

Another mistake involves not consulting with legal counsel before finalizing the agreement. Each situation is unique, and having a legal expert review the document can help identify potential issues. This step can save time and money in the long run by preventing disputes.

People sometimes fail to consider the impact of state laws on non-compete agreements. Michigan has specific regulations regarding these contracts, and being unaware of them can lead to unenforceable terms. Familiarizing oneself with these laws is crucial for crafting a valid agreement.

Moreover, individuals often overlook the importance of including a severability clause. This clause ensures that if one part of the agreement is found to be unenforceable, the rest of the agreement remains intact. Without this protection, the entire agreement could be invalidated due to a single flawed provision.

Another common mistake is not keeping a copy of the signed agreement. Both parties should retain a copy for their records. This helps prevent misunderstandings and provides a reference point if disputes arise in the future.

Finally, failing to communicate the terms of the non-compete to all involved parties can lead to confusion. It’s vital to ensure that everyone understands the implications of the agreement. Clear communication fosters trust and helps prevent potential legal issues.