Information on Noncompete Debate

Posted on February 20, 2009 by Michael Rosen

For those who have been following this blog’s discussion of the ongoing debate about noncompetes in Massachusetts and recently introduced legislation seeking to prohibit such restrictions, this site is a useful resource on the subject.  Thanks to Caroline Huang for bringing it to my attention.  It contains the text of proposed legislation and background information on noncompetition agreements in Massachusetts.  The site was created by Ms. Huang in consultation with Rep. Will Brownsberger, who is sponsoring one of the bills.  The name of the site, “Prohibit RestrictiveEmploymentCovenants.net,” certainly conveys the authors' views on the subject. 

Interestingly, the contrary viewpoint favoring the status quo -- i.e. that noncompetition agreements truly are necessary to protect the legitimate interests of Massachusetts businesses -- has not generated similar buzz.  Perhaps that will change if the proposed legislation has legs.

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Bill to Abolish MA Noncompetes Imminent

Posted on December 17, 2008 by Michael Rosen

Thanks to Wade Roush for bringing to my attention his article posted yesterday in Xconomy, a very informative web publication focused on the tech sectors in Boston and on the west coast.  As with this blog, Xconomy has been closely following what I have described as the Massachusetts noncompete "debate" over the past year or so.  (Scroll down to see earlier posts on this subject.) Wade reports that a Massachusetts legislator, Rep. Will Brownsberger of the 24the Middlesex district, is about to introduce a bill that would abolish or significantly curtail the use of noncompete agreements in Massachusetts.   The article reports that noncompetes would be outlawed in new employment contracts entered into in Massachusetts, except in the sale of business context.  As described, it would be similar to current California law.   

I have not yet seen the bill, which apparently is still in the drafting stage.  This blog will provide further updates as more information becomes available.

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