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- Noncompete agreements in the United States
A noncompete agreement restricts someone from working for a competitor or starting a competing business after a job or business relationship ends. Whether one is enforceable depends almost entirely on state law, which ranges from outright bans to case-by-case reasonableness review.
- Non-compete agreements and whether they are enforceable
A non-compete agreement limits whether you can work for a competing business, start a competing business, or use certain business relationships after your job ends. Enforceability depends heavily on location, the wording of the agreement, the employer’s legitimate business interests, and whether the restriction goes fa
- Severance agreements: how they work
A severance agreement is a contract in which an employer usually offers money or other benefits in exchange for promises such as releasing legal claims, keeping information confidential, or not making negative statements. Signing can provide certainty and payment, but it may also limit your ability to sue, recover addi
- Non-disclosure agreements: how they work
A non-disclosure agreement (NDA) is most useful when it clearly identifies what information is confidential, why it is being shared, who may receive it, and what happens if it is misused. An NDA cannot protect information that is already public, independently developed, lawfully obtained elsewhere, or disclosed where t
- Franchise agreements: what to check
A franchise agreement is a long-term business contract that controls how you use another business’s brand, systems, products, and support. Before signing, the main issues usually include total cost, operating restrictions, territory, renewal, termination, personal guarantees, and what information the franchisor provide
- Contractor agreements for freelancers
A contractor agreement sets out the work a freelancer will perform, the price and payment process, ownership of work product, confidentiality, and how either side can end the relationship. The written agreement is important, but the actual working relationship can determine whether the freelancer is legally an independ
- Selling or closing a small business
Selling a small business usually involves transferring its assets, shares, or partnership interest to a buyer, while closing a business involves ending operations and dealing with debts, taxes, employees, contracts, and registrations. The legal and financial results can differ substantially depending on the business st