Is a no compete clause signed in 1984 with an Ohio company still valid if the employee is laid off after 28 years with the company. She has ...

Question

Is a no compete clause signed in 1984 with an Ohio company still valid if the employee is laid off after 28 years with the company. She has only worked in the sales field during these years and it is her profession.

Answer

Its difficult to say without knowing additional facts about your situation, specially, the exact wording of the non-compete clause. Generally, courts have been very reluctant to enforce non-compete clauses, especially those clauses which attempt to enforce a non-compete agreement over a wide geographic region or an excessive length of time. Retain a labor and employment law attorney, ask them to look over the contract, and get their thoughts.