Non-Compete Agreement in Missouri
State-specific overview · Employment Law
Missouri enforces non-competes that are reasonable in time, territory, and line of business and protect legitimate business interests.
How Missouri treats Non-Compete Agreement
Missouri courts uphold non-compete agreements under a reasonableness standard, requiring that they protect legitimate business interests such as trade secrets, confidential information, or customer relationships. The restriction must be reasonable in duration, geographic scope, and the type of work prohibited. Courts generally enforce restrictions lasting one to three years, depending on the industry and circumstances. Non-competes must be ancillary to a valid employment relationship or business transaction and cannot impose an undue hardship on the employee or the public.
The general definition of Non-Compete Agreement
A contract clause restricting an employee from working for competitors or starting a competing business after leaving.
A non-compete agreement is a contract between an employer and employee that prevents the employee from working for a competitor or starting a competing business for a set period after leaving the job. These agreements are designed to protect the employer's trade secrets and customer relationships. However, courts scrutinize them carefully because they restrict a person's right to earn a living. A non-compete is generally enforceable only if it is reasonable in scope (limited to a specific geographic area and time period) and protects a legitimate business interest. Some states, like California, disfavor non-competes entirely.
Read the full Non-Compete Agreement entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Missouri.