iStock_000033294404_Large-234x300Seyfarth Synopsis: Limitation on an actor’s ability to work in certain films struck down as an unlawful restraint of trade. 

California, mecca of the film and media production industries in the U.S., is notorious for outlawing non-compete agreements. It is one of the few states that generally prohibits the unlawful restraint of one’s profession or business, with limited exceptions.
Continue Reading California Court Gives Two Thumbs Down and Voids Non-Compete in Actor’s Agreement

shutterstock_118297453In Golden v. California Emergency Physicians Medical Group, a divided Ninth Circuit panel held that a “no re-hire” provision in a settlement agreement could, under certain circumstances, constitute an unlawful restraint of trade under California law.

The Facts

Dr. Golden, a physician, agreed to settle his discrimination claim against his employer, California Emergency Physicians Medical Group (“CEP”). Their oral
Continue Reading Ninth Circuit Jeopardizes Broad “No Re-Hire” Clauses in California

By Robert Milligan and Grace Chuchla

Using a forum selection clause to transfer a case out of California federal court may have become easier thanks to a recent order from Judge Koh of the United States District Court for the Northern District of California.  In her order, Judge Koh granted defendants’ motion to transfer plaintiff’s complaint to Delaware federal
Continue Reading California Federal Court Ships Fiduciary Duty and Unfair Competition Suit to Delaware Based Upon Forum Selection Clause

By Molly Joyce

The Idaho Supreme Court, in the case of T.J.T., Inc. v. Mori, 2011 WL 5966870, No. 37805 (Id. Nov. 30, 2011), recently found that a two-year non-compete agreement executed in connection with the sale of a business was enforceable under California law, despite the fact that the seller also became an employee of the purchasing

Continue Reading Can The Seller Of A Business Who Also Becomes Employed By Purchaser Be Held To Non-Compete Agreement Under California Law? The Idaho Supreme Court Says Yes

By Scott Schaefers

            In a recent decision involving whether a former employer could obtain a temporary restraining order under its broad non-competition agreement with its former employees and former software development company, the federal court in Richmond Technologies, Inc. v. Aumtech Business Solutions, No. 11–CV–02460–LHK, 2011 WL 2607158 (N.D.Cal. July 1, 2011) granted plaintiff’s request and enjoined defendants

Continue Reading California Federal Court Recently Invokes “Trade Secret” Exception to California’s Anti-Noncompete Statute To Effectively Blue Pencil Noncompete Agreement