Monday, March 25, 2013

Kistler v. O'Brien: I Signed My Non-Compete Agreement After I Started My Job - is it Enforceable Under Pennsylvania Law?



Enforceable/ Inescapable?

Pennsylvania Law Holds That a Non-Compete Agreement Signed After an Employee Starts a Job is Not Enforceable UNLESS the Employee is Provided "Additional Consideration" in Exchange for Signing the NCA


SCENARIO I:

You join company in January, and are not asked to signed a non-compete agreement.  Six months later, the company hands you a non-compete agreement and tells you that you have to sign it to keep your job.  You sign it. 

Two years later, you leave the company.  Is the agreement enforceable? 

In 1975, Pennsylvania's Supreme Court decided this issue in Kistler v. O'Brien.  Here is what the Kistler Court said: 

While a restrictive covenant, in order to be valid need not appear in the initial contract, if it is agreed upon at some later time it must be supported by new consideration. See Maintenance Specialties Inc. v. Gottus, 455 Pa. 327, 331, 314 A.2d 279, 281 (1974); Jacobson & Company v. International Environment Corporation,... 

Furthermore, we have stated that continuation of the employment relationship at the time the written contract was signed was not sufficient consideration for the covenant despite the fact that the employment relationship was terminable at the will of either party.

SCENARIO II:

You join company in January, and are not asked to signed a non-compete agreement. Six months later, the company hands you a non-compete agreement and tells you that you have to sign it to keep your job. The non-compete agreement states that, in consideration of your execution of same, you will receive [A $500 bonus; a raise; a promotion; a higher commission on future sales; the right to participate in the company's 401k plan; etc.] You sign it.

Is the agreement enforceable?

Yes, assuming it is not unenforceable for other reasons.  Insofar as you received "additional consideration" in exchange for signing the agreement, the Kistler principle does not apply.

HERE ARE SOME OTHER ARTICLES YOU MAY FIND WORTHWHILE:

Are Non-Compete Agreements Enforceable in Pennsylvania?  How Can I Negotiate a Non-Compete?

Non-Compete Agreements and Trade Secret Litigation - The Fulcrum is Whether the Legitimate Business Interests of the Former Employer Are Detrimentally Affected by an Employee's Violation

Non-Compete Agreements - Legally Enforceable or Not, Negotiation is Often the Key

The Truth About Non-Competition Agreements That Your Employer Does Not Want You to Know - Mere Breach of Non-Compete Not Enough for Injunction

The Milkman Principle: Why Solicitation of Former Clients or Customers Will Always Get You in Hot Water in Pennsylvania if You Have a Non-Compete Agreement

Pennsylvania Employment Lawyers: How to Respond to Cease and Desist Letters Concerning Non-Compete Agreements

I am Being Offered Severance But Asked to Sign a Non-Compete in Pennsylvania - What Should I Do?  Pennsylvania Employment Attorneys Explain

Should I Sign a Severance or Separation Agreement Requiring Me to Consent to a Non-Competition Restriction?  Pennsylvania Employment Lawyers Discuss

What Fiduciary Duties do Employees Owe to Their Employers? Taking Your Employer's Confidential Information Before Resigning Violates an Employee's Duty of Loyalty

How Can I Contact My Old Clients and Customers Without Violating My Confidentiality, Non-Compete and Non-Solicitation Agreement?  Pennsylvania Non-Compete Lawyers

Trade Secret Clauses in Employment Agreements - Does My Employer Have Trade Secrets? Pennsylvania Non-Compete Lawyer

Confidentiality and Trade Secret Covenants in Employment Contracts are Always Valid, and Your Electronic Footprint Tells a Story

Insulation Corp. v. Brobston:  Is My Non-Compete Covenant Valid and Enforceable if I am Fired From My Job Under Pennsylvania Law?

Overly Broad Non-Compete Agreement in Pennsylvania?  Need an Attorney for Your Non-Compete Contract Dispute?

CALL TODAY AND WE CAN DISCUSS YOUR CASE AT NO COST TO YOU

610-647-5027




Thanks for checking in with us.