In an order dated July 25, 2008, the Georgia Court of Appeals reiterated that non-compete provisions in Georgia cannot prohibit an ex-employee beyond performing services related to the employer’s business. Avion Systems, Inc. v. Thompson, No. A07A1488, 2008 WL 2854300 (Ga. App. Jul. 25, 2008). In Avion Systems, the Court of Appeals was asked to determine whether the following non-compete provision was enforceable:

For a period of twelve (12) months following the completion of project, the Employee unconditionally agrees to not deal directly, indirectly, or by any other means, either individually or in association with another individual or organization for any pecuniary gain with Corporation’s customer or their client to whom he is assigned at the particular job site for that particular division or subdivision with whom Employee had contact….

Despite the fact that the non-compete provision was limited to 12 months in duration and to the customer to whom the employee was assigned, the Court of Appeals held that the provision was unenforceable. The restriction ran afoul of the prohibition in Georgia against “in any capacity” restrictions:

Here, the covenant did not specify the activities in which Thompson was prohibited from engaging, but instead prohibited her from dealing with a client “for any pecuniary gain,” regardless of whether her activities were related to Avion’s business. The provision was thus overbroad and unenforceable, as it is not reasonably necessary to protect the interests of Avion.

Avion Systems stands as a reminder that Georgia has very particular requirements for the enforcement of non-compete provisions and that an employer must pay attention to those requirements to have any chance of enforcing post-employment restrictions.