Chicago Business Litigation Lawyer Blog
Non-compete agreements are a common tool used by employers to protect their business interests. However, these agreements must strike a balance between safeguarding legitimate business concerns and respecting an employee’s right to pursue their career. Over the years, Illinois courts have issued several crucial decisions that provide guidance on the enforceability of non-compete agreements. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of these key Illinois court decisions and their implications for both employers and employees.
1. Reliable Fire Equipment Co. v. Arredondo (2011 IL 111871)
In this landmark case, the Illinois Supreme Court reaffirmed the importance of protecting legitimate business interests when evaluating non-compete agreements. The court clarified that non-compete agreements are enforceable only if they are reasonable in terms of duration, geographic scope, and the scope of activities restricted. The decision emphasizes the necessity of narrowly tailored agreements that protect the employer’s interests without unduly burdening the employee. Continue reading ›