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FTC Proposed Rule to Ban Employment-Based Noncompetes: Key Workplace Implications

Recording of a 90-minute CLE video webinar with Q&A

This program is included with the Strafford CLE Pass. Click for more information.
This program is included with the Strafford All-Access Pass. Click for more information.

Conducted on Wednesday, March 22, 2023

Recorded event now available

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This CLE webinar will brief employment counsel, business and IP litigators, and HR personnel on the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) new proposed rule prohibiting the use of employment-based noncompetes in virtually all circumstances that the FTC contends violate Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act (FTCA). The panel will highlight recent FTC regulatory developments, potential limits, exceptions, and best practices for counsel to take when advising clients on potential alternatives for safeguarding confidential information and trade secrets and for protecting other lawful business interests.

Description

Under the proposed rule, the FTC defines a noncompete clause as "a contractual term between an employer and a worker that prevents the worker from seeking or accepting employment with a person, or operating a business, after the conclusion of the worker's employment with the employer." The FTC argues that noncompetes constitute an unfair method of competition and therefore violate Section 5 of the FTCA. Proponents of noncompetes argue that they are necessary to protect legitimate business interests from unfair competition.

Currently, the FTC has filed only a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and is seeking public comment on the proposed rule as to whether franchisees should be covered, the treatment of senior executives, the differences between low-income and high-wage workers, and other issues. The FTC estimates that this proposed ban on noncompetes could increase employee wages by nearly $300 billion per year and expand better career opportunities for approximately 30 million Americans.

Most importantly, if finalized, the proposed rule will require employers nationwide to rescind existing post-employment noncompetes and provide notice to current and former employees. The proposed rule defines "worker" broadly as employees, independent contractors, interns, and volunteers. Under the proposed rule, noncompetes can include broadly written nondisclosure agreements, training repayment agreements, and other restrictive clauses that protect against unfair competition. It is important to note the FTC does not have jurisdiction over banks, credit unions, nonprofits, or savings and loans institutions. The proposed rule includes an exception for noncompetes entered into in the context of a sale of a business since the rule's emphasis is on employment relationships.

Listen as our distinguished panel provides guidance on key workplace implications related to the FTC's proposed sweeping ban on employment-based noncompetes. The panel will offer best practices for reviewing current agreements and employment practices regarding restrictive covenants, trade secrets, and other proprietary business interests.

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Outline

  1. Overview of the Proposed Rule
    1. Key definitions, limits, and other considerations
  2. Employer and employee implications
  3. Best practices for protecting legitimate business interests

Benefits

The panel will cover these and other key issues:

  • What were the regulatory developments leading up to the FTC's proposed ban on noncompetes?
  • What are next steps and how can counsel guide clients in navigating the practical and legal considerations of the FTC's proposed rule?
  • What are best practices for carefully crafting other types of restrictive employment covenants such as non-solicitation and non-disclosure agreements?

Faculty

Beck, Russell
Russell Beck

Partner
Beck Reed Riden

Mr. Beck is a business, trade secrets, and employee mobility litigator, nationally recognized for his trade secrets and...  |  Read More

Bindra, Amit
Amit S. Bindra

Partner
The Prinz Law Firm

Mr. Bindra focuses his practice on employment and executive agreements, noncompete, non-solicit and trade secret...  |  Read More

Weibust, Erik
Erik W. Weibust

Member
Epstein Becker & Green

Mr. Weibust represents clients in commercial litigation matters, including franchise, distribution, and real estate...  |  Read More

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