Are Non-Compete Agreements Enforceable in New Mexico

In Non-Compete Agreements, Trade Secrets by Larry Donahue4 Comments

The quick answer is “yes,” provided they are “reasonable” and provided they do not restrict certain professions that are statutorily protected.

It can be difficult for a business to gain a competitive advantage over their competition. Many successful companies rely on trade secrets to create a product or service that is better for consumers than a competitor’s, but if an employee leaves and takes those trade secrets with them, it could have a serious impact on your business.

In an effort to prevent workers from learning a company’s trade secrets and then leaving to create or work for a competing business, employers and employees often enter into what is known as a non-compete agreement or “covenant to not compete.”

What is a non-compete agreement?

A non-compete agreement is an arrangement between an employer and an employee. The goal of these agreements are to prevent employees from taking valuable trade secrets or influence away from a company and using the employer’s trade secrets to compete with them in the marketplace.

These types of agreements generally have specified limitations. Some common limitations include,

  • Time – For example, an employee may not be able to open a competing business for at least two years after they leave the company.
  • Area – An employee may not be able to open a competing business within a certain distance of the employer’s business.

Enforcement limitations

“Reasonableness” is an important factor to weigh, when considering whether a non-compete agreement is enforceable. Specifically, these types of agreements are not necessarily set in stone. A judge may determine that the terms of the agreement are unreasonably restrictive. For example, the original agreement may specify that a worker may not open a competing business within 200 miles for 5 years. Such time and distance has been held to be unreasonably restrictive in New Mexico courts, depending on the specific circumstances.

If the employee (or ex-employee) has an issue with this, they can file a lawsuit and a judge may determine that the restrictions are too severe. At this point, the judge can reduce the restrictions depending on the case-specific factors.

Exemptions

There are some circumstances that prohibit non-competed entirely. The State of New Mexico has enacted some laws that exempt medical professionals (dentists, physicians, nurses, etc.) from non-compete agreements because limiting competition in the health care market could reduce a person’s access to health care.

These types of issues can become complicated very quickly. Fortunately, there are legal professionals who focus on these types of agreements, and they can work with you to create a solution that meets your needs. If you have any questions regarding non-compete agreements, we strongly encourage you to seek competent legal assistance from an experienced business attorney.

Business Law Southwest, LLC (BLSW). Business law that makes business sense. A Slingshot company.

Comments

  1. If an employer characterizes their non-compete contract language as, “… for a period of 3 years after departure… provides the same or similar services and is within 30 miles of office…”, does the conjunction use of ‘and’ instead of ‘or’ allow for an employee to sidestep the restriction by only satisfying one of the two items? For example, the employee has started their own company that offers similar services one year after departure but is outside the 30-mile radius.

    1. Author

      Hi, Andy.

      Hard to say, given I don’t know what’s between the lines “departure” and “provides”. I will say, I think the “and” you reference is between “same or similar services” and “30 miles of the office”, but in reference to your example, I think operating outside the 30 mile radius will not breach the restriction.

      I would recommend you consider a 30-minute business attorney consult, if you have other questions or want to explore this further.

      Thank you. Larry.

    1. Author

      Hi Sabrina.

      Thank you for your question, and I do apologize for the delay in a response. We have a low-cost, flat-rate contract review for folks BEFORE THEY SIGN. If interested, you can order on the Internet at the link I provided (it goes to our other legal brand, Law 4 Small Business — same lawyers, same pricing).

      If you’ve already signed a contract, and want to talk to an attorney about some issues, we do sell a 30-minute business attorney consult that you may be interested in.

      Good luck to you. Thank you. Larry.

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