Are non-compete agreements enforceable in Ohio?

Non-compete agreements are indeed enforceable in Ohio, but with certain limitations. The enforceability hinges on the reasonableness of the agreement concerning its scope, duration, and geographical reach. Ohio courts will assess whether the terms of the non-compete are necessary to protect legitimate business interests and whether they impose undue hardship on the employee.

A non-compete that is excessively broad in geographic scope or duration may be deemed unreasonable and thus unenforceable. An agreement must strike a balance between protecting the employer’s business interests and allowing the employee the freedom to work in their field. The assessment of reasonableness is subject to judicial review, where courts will evaluate the specific facts and circumstances surrounding each agreement.

This standard confirms that while non-compete agreements can provide necessary protections for employers, they must be carefully crafted to ensure they do not impose unreasonable restrictions on employees, maintaining the principle that individuals should be able to work in their chosen profession after leaving employment.