Weighing in on an issue that is drawing attention nationwide, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court recently held, in Socko v. Mid-Atlantic Systems of CPA, Inc., that the mere continuation of employment is not sufficient consideration to support a restrictive covenant. Rather, for there to be sufficient consideration, the Court held that the employee must receive “some corresponding benefit or a favorable change in employment status.” As examples of such sufficient additional consideration, the Court cited “a promotion, a change from part-time to full-time employment, or even a change to a compensation package of bonuses, insurance benefits, and severance benefits.” The
Continue Reading Pennsylvania Supreme Court Holds That Mere Continued Employment Is Not Adequate Consideration To Support A Restrictive Covenant
consideration
Since Fifield Is Not Going Away Any Time Soon, Illinois Employers Should Consider Revising the Consideration Provided for Restrictive Covenants
Posted in Non-Compete Agreements
A recent decision by one district of the Illinois Court of Appeals (Fifield v. Premier Dealer Services) significantly altered long-settled understandings regarding the consideration required for an enforceable restrictive covenant in Illinois. In light of that decision, Illinois employers hoping to enforce restrictive covenants within two years after the signing date should be prepared to distinguish Fifield factually or legally. Employers that are concerned about their ability to do so, or that want to err on the side of caution, should act now to address the implications of Fifield.
Continue Reading Since Fifield Is Not Going Away Any Time Soon, Illinois Employers Should Consider Revising the Consideration Provided for Restrictive Covenants
Illinois Supreme Court Decides Not To Review Lower Court Ruling That, Absent Other Consideration, Two Years Of Employment Is Required Consideration For A Restrictive Covenant
Posted in Non-Compete Agreements
The Illinois Supreme Court recently announced that it was not going to review an Illinois Appellate Court decision, Fifield v. Premier Dealer Services, Inc., which held that, absent other consideration, two years of employment is required for a restrictive covenant to be deemed supported by adequate consideration – even where the employee signed the restrictive covenant as a condition to his employment offer – and even where the employee voluntarily resigned.
Continue Reading Illinois Supreme Court Decides Not To Review Lower Court Ruling That, Absent Other Consideration, Two Years Of Employment Is Required Consideration For A Restrictive Covenant
Employer Held to its Promise to Pay During Non-Compete Period
By Lauri F. Rasnick on
Posted in Non-Compete Agreements
As the enforcement of non-competition agreements becomes more crucial than ever, some employers are including provisions that require or promise payments to the former employees during the post-employment period of non-competition. If properly crafted, such a payment may act as the additional consideration needed for the promise not to compete and may dissipate the former employee’s argument of undue hardship during the non-competition period. Employers promising to make such payments must be prepared to follow through with their promises, as the Eighth Circuit recently held.
Continue Reading Employer Held to its Promise to Pay During Non-Compete Period