Kentucky Noncompete Agreement: What's Included and Enforceability

Quick Facts — Noncompete Agreement Lawyers

Is a Non-Compete Agreement Enforceable in Kentucky?

Yes. Non-compete agreements are enforceable in Kentucky as long as the contract meets certain requirements established by Kentucky courts and state statutes. All non-compete agreements must be reasonable to be enforceable.

According to the Kentucky Supreme Court, a non-compete agreement is reasonable when the terms of the contract are only as restrictive as necessary to provide fair protection to employers. In addition, a reasonable non-compete will not interfere with public interest or impose undue hardship on the employee.

How Long Does a Kentucky Non-Compete Agreement Last?

The maximum length of a non-compete agreement in Kentucky is not set by state statute but by past court rulings. Historically, courts have enforced non-compete agreements that last up to five years.

Longer non-compete durations can be considered but depending on the facts of the case or the type of work, the courts could strike down a non-compete with too long of a duration for being unreasonable.

How Do You Get Around a Non-Compete Agreement in Kentucky?

To get around a non-compete agreement in Kentucky, an employee will have to prove one of the following to the court:

  1. The non-compete agreement is unreasonable in duration.
  2. The terms violate public policy.
  3. The enforcement of the contract restricts the employee from earning a living.
  4. The agreement is unreasonable regarding geographic area.

Unlike other states which limit the geographic area that non-compete agreements can cover, Kentucky allows a wide-ranging geographic area for these contracts.

What Voids a Non-Compete Agreement in Kentucky?

A non-compete agreement in Kentucky will be void if there is not adequate consideration. In most states, continued employment is enough to meet the requirement for consideration for a non-compete. In Kentucky, the courts require additional consideration like:

  • Monetary payment
  • Promotion
  • Additional benefits

Without this additional consideration, a non-compete in Kentucky will be void.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I hire a lawyer to draft a noncompete agreement in Kentucky?

See Noncompete Agreement by State

See Real Non-Compete Agreement Projects

Florida NDA and NCA Review
  • Florida
  • 7 lawyer bids
  • $225 - $500
View Details
Utah Non-compete analysis Review
  • Utah
  • 3 lawyer bids
  • $495 - $1,850
View Details
Massachusetts Non-Compete Clause in Employment (1099) contract Review
  • Massachusetts
  • 5 lawyer bids
  • $250 - $795
View Details
California Review non-compete and proprietary invention agreement Review
  • California
  • 7 lawyer bids
  • $495 - $1,500
View Details
California Review non-compete clauses for Blockchain Startup Offer Letter Review
  • California
  • 6 lawyer bids
  • $150 - $400
View Details
Illinois confidentiality and non-compete agreement review Review
  • Illinois
  • 6 lawyer bids
  • $599 - $850
View Details

See all Non-Compete Agreement projects in Kentucky


ContractsCounsel is not a law firm, and this post should not be considered and does not contain legal advice. To ensure the information and advice in this post are correct, sufficient, and appropriate for your situation, please consult a licensed attorney. Also, using or accessing ContractsCounsel's site does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and ContractsCounsel.


Need help with a Noncompete Agreement?

Create a free project posting
Clients Rate Lawyers 4.9 Stars
based on 22,857 reviews

Meet some of our Kentucky Noncompete Agreement Lawyers

DC L. on ContractsCounsel
View DC
5.0 (2)
Member Since:
May 20, 2026

DC L.

Managing Partner
Free Consultation
Nashville, Tennessee
5 Yrs Experience
Licensed in KY IN, TN
University of Louisville, Louis D. Brandeis School of Law

Darren Craig ("DC") Lamb is the Founder and Managing Partner of DCL Legal, AI, & Business Consulting, a Nashville-based law firm serving entrepreneurs, founders, and growing businesses as outside general counsel. Licensed in TN, KY, and IN, Darren previously served as lead associate at Wilson Elser (AmLaw 200), handling all litigation for a Fortune 500 e-commerce company across KY, IN, and TN, and managing complex coverage matters for a leading international insurance market. DCL Legal focuses on business litigation, commercial contracts, corporate governance, AI & technology advisory, and fractional general counsel engagements — delivering executive-level legal guidance without the cost of full-time in-house counsel.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"DC exceeded my expectations. He took time to understand the project and organization, and provided expert advise accordingly. He was timely, thorough, thoughtful, and professional. He has become my goto for publishing contracts and consultation."

Garrett M. on ContractsCounsel
View Garrett
4.9 (10)
Member Since:
June 15, 2023

Garrett M.

Business Attorney
Free Consultation
Cincinnati, Ohio
6 Yrs Experience
Licensed in KY OH
University of Cincinnati College of Law

Attorney Garrett Mayleben's practice is focused on representing small businesses and the working people that make them profitable. He represents companies in structuring and negotiating merger, acquisition, and real estate transactions; guides emerging companies through the startup phase; and consults with business owners on corporate governance matters. Garrett also practices in employment law, copyright and trademark law, and civil litigation. Though industry agnostic, Garrett has particular experience representing medical, dental, veterinary, and chiropractic practices in various business transactions, transitions, and the structuring of related management service organizations (MSOs).

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
4.7

"Though I found a few small mistakes that made me think he rushed a bit, he revised the agreement to be more in my favor. His expertise was well worth it."

Elisher W. on ContractsCounsel
View Elisher
4.2 (5)
Member Since:
May 6, 2025

Elisher W.

Attorney
Free Consultation
Newport, Kentucky
5 Yrs Experience
Licensed in KY OH
Northern Kentucky University, Salmon P. Chase College of Law

Attorney licensed in Kentucky and Ohio with four years experience in real estate transactional law (commercial and residential), litigation, construction law, and IP licensing. I have substantial experience in drafting and reviewing contracts as complex as billion dollar mining financing down to simple settlement agreements.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
4.7

"I appreciate all of Eli's help in reviewing my prenup and acting on my partner's behalf."

Dillon N. on ContractsCounsel
View Dillon
Member Since:
July 13, 2020

Dillon N.

Attorney
Free Consultation
Chicago, IL
11 Yrs Experience
Licensed in KY IL
University of Kentucky College of Law

My practice has involved a wide range of legal matters from commercial real estate, finance and international business transactions to litigation matters including commercial disputes, real estate, employment, and medical malpractice. Proficient in Spanish, I graduated from the University of Kentucky College of Law, the Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce, and the University of Southern California. Prior to my legal career, I sought diverse professional experiences. After graduating from college, I orchestrated my own volunteering experience in southern Peru with a small non-profit organization. Later I gained valuable professional experience as part of a U.S. Senate campaign, and after that I joined the public policy team at Greater Louisville, Inc., Louisville's Chamber of Commerce affiliate. Prior to law school, I embarked on a month long excursion with the Northern Outdoor Leadership School in Alaska, which gave me a new found appreciation for sustainability.

Nichole C. on ContractsCounsel
View Nichole
Member Since:
October 22, 2021

Nichole C.

Attorney
Kentucky
20 Yrs Experience
Licensed in KY
University of Louisville, Brandeis School of Law

Licensed attorney in KY and Federally JD, 2006 University of Louisville MBA, 2006 University of Louisville BS, 2001 Berea College Licensed Title Agent Arbitrator and Certified Mediator Business Consultant Adjunct Professor, Law and Business

Alexander C. on ContractsCounsel
View Alexander
Member Since:
August 23, 2025

Alexander C.

CEO
Free Consultation
Tampa, Florida
6 Yrs Experience
Licensed in KY CT, IA, SD, UT
The George Washington University Law School

I am a solo practitioner that runs my own legal practice. I am currently licensed in 16 states and I'm working to expand that reach.

Find the best lawyer for your project

Browse Lawyers Now

Lawyer Reviews for Kentucky Noncompete Agreement Projects

Texas Post-Employment Non-Compete & Non-Solicit Review — 4 Written Questions, Flat Fee.

4.0

"Delivered the scoped work product ahead of the agreed deadline. The memorandum was clear, well-organized, and the analysis was actionable. Texas covenant knowledge as advertised. One caution: the bid listed a deliverable that was later recharacterized, and all requests were answered with strict scope language. Ensure everything from the bid appears in the engagement letter before signing. Work quality: strong. Style: strictly transactional."

Reply From Philips V.

View More
Texas
Review
Non-Compete Agreement
ContractsCounsel User

Legal Advice Needed on Non-Compete in Government Consulting Sector

5.0

"Great to work with, thorough, patient, and excellent explanation and detailed information."

Texas
Premium
Paid Consultation
Non-Compete Agreement
ContractsCounsel User

Employment Agreement and Non-Compete Review

5.0

"Super responsive."

New Jersey
Review
Non-Compete Agreement
ContractsCounsel User

Review Noncompete Agreement

5.0

"Rey pleased with Zach’s thoroughness."

Indiana
Premium
Review
Non-Compete Agreement
ContractsCounsel User

confidentiality and non-compete agreement review

5.0

"Ryenne provides excellent service and highly recommended"

Illinois
Review
Non-Compete Agreement
ContractsCounsel User

Meet some of our other Noncompete Agreement Lawyers

Mark M. on ContractsCounsel
View Mark
Member Since:
June 30, 2023

Mark M.

Senior Attorney
Free Consultation
Reston VA
38 Yrs Experience
Licensed in DC
Georgetown University Law Center

I have 20-plus years of experience as a corporate general counsel, for public and private corporations, domestic and international. I have acted as corporate secretary for a publicly-held corporation and have substantial experience in corporate finance, M&A, corporate governance, incorporations, corporate maintenance, complex transactions, corporate termination and restructuring, as well as numerous aspects of regulatory and financial due diligence. In my various corporate roles, I have routinely drafted complex corporate contracts and deal-related documents such as stock purchase agreements, option and warrant agreements, MSAs, SOWs, term sheets, joint venture agreements, tender agreements purchase and sale agreements, technology licensing agreements, vendor agreements, service agreements, IP and technology security agreements, NDAs, etc. and have managed from both a legal and business perspective many projects in the financial, technology, energy and venture capital fields.

Employment

Noncompete Agreement

Connecticut

Asked on Aug 1, 2023

Noncompete agreement and change of control?

I recently accepted a new position with a company that has requested that I sign a noncompete agreement. I understand the agreement and the limitations it puts on me, but I am concerned about how the agreement would be affected if the company is sold or changes ownership in the future. I would like to understand my legal rights in the event of a change of control.

Thomas L.

Answered Aug 4, 2023

If the future company buys the equity of your current employer, the Non-Compete continues in effect. If the future company buys the assets, the Non-Compete is terminated. I would request a sentence be added to the effect that "if there is a change of control of the Company (meaning more than 50% of the equity interest or 50% of the voting equity control) is sold or transferred, then this Non-Compete Agreement is terminated.

Read 1 attorney answer>

Employee Rights

Noncompete Agreement

Texas

Asked on Jun 3, 2023

Noncompete agreement and moonlighting?

I am an employee at a company that has recently asked me to sign a noncompete agreement. I am considering doing so, but I am concerned about whether or not the agreement would prevent me from taking on additional freelance work outside of my normal job. I am interested in moonlighting and need to know if a noncompete agreement would limit my ability to do so.

Curt L.

Answered Jun 6, 2023

If you moonlighting work is in the same business and same market, it is almost certainly prohibited by a noncompete agreement.

Read 1 attorney answer>

Business

Noncompete Agreement

Florida

Asked on Jul 12, 2023

Noncompete agreement and business partners?

I am a business owner who has recently acquired a new partner. We are in the process of drafting a Noncompete Agreement to ensure that neither of us will compete against each other in the same market. We are looking for advice on what should be included in the agreement and how it should be enforced.

Daniel D.

Answered Aug 4, 2023

The one thing to make sure with noncompete agreements is that it is reasonable in terms of duration and the area you cannot compete in. Courts use a reasonableness test to determine whether a noncompete agreement is valid. If provisions are deemed to be unreasonable and fail the test, they could be altered or struck out of the agreement.

Read 1 attorney answer>

Business Contracts

Noncompete Agreement

Florida

Asked on May 21, 2023

Noncompete agreement for consultants?

I am a consultant who is looking to take on a new client, but the client requires me to sign a Noncompete Agreement. I want to make sure that I am not signing away my rights, and that the agreement is fair and reasonable. I am also interested in understanding how this agreement would affect my ability to work with other clients.

Venus C.

Answered May 30, 2023

Hello. I appreciate your concerns about signing a Noncompete Agreement. It's essential to protect your rights and ensure the agreement is fair and reasonable given that a noncompete typically restricts competing activities during or after the term of engagement. Without knowing more about the business relationship and reviewing the actual terms, whether the non-compete is fair, reasonable, or even enforceable remains an open-ended question. Bearing this in mind, if the noncompete is preventing you from taking on other clients during or after the end of your relationship (or both), the scope of this restriction must be reasonable in terms of time, geographic area, and the specific activities it seeks to prevent. For example, does the noncompete specify the types of clients, industries, or geographic areas that are off-limits? What is the duration of the noncompete? If the client breaches your main agreement, will that render your noncompete void and unenforceable? These are just a few general questions that require a thorough review and analysis against Florida non-compete laws. Overall, the ultimate goal is to carefully review the terms to understand how they might impact your ability to take on new clients. If you don’t understand or are unsure about the contractual terms and their legal implications, it's highly recommended you consult with an attorney who can review the noncompete and provide you with personalized legal advice before you sign.

Read 1 attorney answer>

Contracts

Noncompete Agreement

Florida

Asked on Jul 30, 2023

Noncompete agreement and severance packages?

I recently left my job of 5 years, where I had signed a non-compete agreement. I am now negotiating a severance package with my former employer and am unsure of what my rights and obligations are regarding the non-compete agreement. I am seeking clarification on how the non-compete agreement should be handled in relation to the terms of my severance package.

Diane D.

Answered Sep 1, 2023

To be able to answer this question, I would need to see the agreements. No one can answer your question without seeing the agreements.

Read 1 attorney answer>
See more legal questions…

Quick, user friendly and one of the better ways I've come across to get ahold of lawyers willing to take new clients.

View Trustpilot Review

Need help with a Noncompete Agreement?

Create a free project posting
Clients Rate Lawyers 4.9 Stars
based on 22,857 reviews
Employment lawyers by top cities
See All Kentucky Employment Lawyers
Kentucky Noncompete Agreement lawyers by city
See All Noncompete Agreement Lawyers

ContractsCounsel User

Recent Project:
I have two non competes that needs review, one on rollover shares and as a retired officer
Location: Nevada
Turnaround: A week
Service: Contract Review
Doc Type: Non-Compete Agreement
Page Count: 3
Number of Bids: 3
Bid Range: $400 - $500
User Feedback:
Great service

ContractsCounsel User

Recent Project:
Review Noncompete Agreement
Location: Florida
Turnaround: Less than a week
Service: Contract Review
Doc Type: Non-Compete Agreement
Page Count: 8
Number of Bids: 8
Bid Range: $240 - $700
User Feedback:
Ralph was an excellent advisory. He went above and beyond and made it a point to making sure I got my answers. I didn't feel rushed at all. Highly recommend.

Need help with a Noncompete Agreement?

Create a free project posting
Clients Rate Lawyers 4.9 Stars
based on 22,857 reviews

Want to speak to someone?

Get in touch below and we will schedule a time to connect!

Request a call

Find lawyers and attorneys by city