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Business & Legal/Non-Compete Checker

Non-Compete Checker

Check if your non-compete agreement is enforceable in your state with factor analysis.

STATE LAWS50 state lawsFTC ruling impactEnforceability scoreKey factors
⚠️ Using cached data (updated 2 months ago). Some states may not be available.
🔴 Generally Enforced
🔴 Likely Enforceable
Risk: HIGH
State Rule
Enforceable if reasonable — must meet strict geographical and temporal limits
Factor Analysis
State law: Enforceable if reasonable — must meet strict geographical and temporal limits
Duration: 18mo may be excessive
Geographic scope: Regional scope may be reasonable
Role scope: Limited to same role is more reasonable
No garden leave: May weaken employer position
No separate consideration: Some states require consideration beyond employment
Trade secrets: Protecting trade secrets is legitimate
Recommendations
  • Your state generally enforces non-competes. Review carefully before signing.
  • Consider negotiating to 12 months or less.
  • Request garden leave during the restriction period.
  • Ask for separate consideration (e.g., signing bonus).
Data Source & Legal Disclaimer
Effective: 2026 state lawsLast updated: 2 months agoUpdate: Annual
Sources: NCSL — Non-Compete Agreements · Fair Competition Law — 50-State Survey · Economic Policy Institute — Non-Compete Reform

This tool provides general legal information only and is NOT legal advice. Non-compete law is complex, rapidly changing, and varies significantly by jurisdiction. Always consult a qualified employment attorney in your state before making legal decisions.

About this tool

What is this tool?

Is your non-compete enforceable? Check your state’s rules. All 50 states, free.

50 state lawsFTC ruling impactEnforceability scoreKey factors

What Is the Non-Compete Agreement?

The Non-Compete Agreement is a free browser-based legal information tool that helps you understand non-compete checker requirements and generate compliant documents without expensive attorney fees. The tool runs entirely in your browser — no personal information, case details, or document content is uploaded to any server. It uses current non-compete enforceability regulations and standards updated for 2026, with citations to relevant statutes and case law. The generated documents are production-ready and formatted for immediate use. Important: this tool provides legal information, not legal advice — consult a licensed attorney for complex situations.

Who Should Use This Tool?

Small business owners use this tool to generate non-compete checker documents without paying $200-500 per hour for an attorney. Freelancers and contractors check non-compete enforceability requirements before signing agreements. Startups create compliance documents during formation. Website owners generate non-compete agreement policies required by app stores, ad networks, and privacy regulations. Individuals use it to understand their rights and generate request letters. Law students use it as a reference tool to see properly formatted legal documents. The tool is especially valuable for those who cannot afford legal counsel but need basic document generation.

How to Use the Non-Compete Agreement

Select your jurisdiction or document type from the dropdown menu. Fill in the required fields — business name, jurisdiction, data practices, or agreement terms depending on the tool. The tool generates a formatted document instantly using current non-compete checker standards. Review the output in the preview panel, then copy to clipboard or download as Markdown or HTML. The generated document includes all legally required sections and citations. For complex situations, use the generated document as a starting point and have an attorney review the final version. All data stays in your browser — nothing is saved or transmitted.

Frequently asked

Are non-compete agreements enforceable in my state?

Enforceability varies dramatically: California, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Oklahoma ban non-competes entirely. The FTC's 2024 rule attempted a nationwide ban but was blocked by federal courts. Most states enforce "reasonable" restrictions (12-24 months, limited geography). Answer 6 questions about your state, role, and terms to assess your agreement.

What makes a non-compete "reasonable" in court?

Courts typically evaluate three factors: duration (12 months is standard; 3+ years is often struck down), geographic scope (must match your actual work territory), and legitimate business interest (protecting trade secrets, not merely preventing competition). A 5-year, nationwide ban for a junior developer would likely be unenforceable in most jurisdictions.

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