Rhode Island Noncompete Agreement: What's Included and Enforceability
Quick Facts — Noncompete Agreement Lawyers
- Avg cost to draft a Non-Compete Agreement: $580.00
- Avg cost to review a Non-Compete Agreement: $350.00
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- Clients helped: 269 recent noncompete agreement projects
- Avg lawyer rating: 5.0 (68 reviews)
Is a Non-Compete Agreement Enforceable in Rhode Island?
Yes. In Rhode Island, non-compete agreements are permitted, however these contracts must follow certain rules and exceptions.
Non-compete exceptions in Rhode Island include:
- Non-competes cannot be entered into by low wage workers. Low wage workers are those who make less than 250% of the federal poverty level. For 2023, that is $33,975 annually for a one-person household.
- Short-term employees or students who participate in internships cannot enter into non-compete agreements.
- Employees under the age of 18 cannot be restricted by a non-compete agreement.
How Long Does a Rhode Island Non-Compete Agreement Last?
Courts in Rhode Island have restricted non-compete maximum terms to one year. In addition, the geographic area is limited to only areas where the employer conducts business.
How Do You Get Around a Non-Compete Agreement in Rhode Island?
To get around a non-compete agreement in Rhode Island, an employee must show a court that the agreement does not adhere to the rules and regulations governing non-compete agreements set out by state laws and the supreme court. Some of these rules include:
- Protectable interest. The agreement must protect an employer’s legitimate business interests and cannot be used to limit competition.
- Reasonableness. The contract terms must be reasonable and cannot impose undue hardship on the employee.
- Consideration. A non-compete agreement must be supported by adequate consideration. In Rhode Island, continued employment is sufficient consideration.
If a non-compete agreement fails to follow these standards, an employee can move to have the agreement terminated.
What Voids a Rhode Island Non-Compete Agreement?
A non-compete agreement in Rhode Island is void if an employee can prove that they didn’t enter the contract voluntarily or if they entered the contract under fraud. All contracts must be signed free of coercion or threat. In addition, enticing someone to sign a contract under false pretenses will make the contract void.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Meet some of our Rhode Island Noncompete Agreement Lawyers
Moss S.
Over 30 years of experience practicing commercial real estate and complex business litigation law.
"Moss S was responsive and attentive to my needs and completed the task ahead of time and within budget"
Elizabeth W.
Liz is an experienced insurance professional, having worked with carriers and brokers for over 10 years. She can review or draft a variety of commercial agreements and is here to help your business. Specialties include: Master Service Agreements, business process outsourcing, marketing and partnership agreements, broker agreements, business associate agreements, and NDAs.
"Liz was very responsive, eager to do a good job, and a pleasure to work with."
Nicholas M.
Nicholas Matlach is a cybersecurity expert (CISSP) and an attorney who is dedicated to helping small businesses succeed. He is a client-focused professional who has a deep understanding of the challenges that small businesses face in the digital age. He also provides legal counsel to small businesses on a variety of issues, including formation, intellectual property, contracts, and employment law.
"Enjoyed his demeanor. Professional yet down to earth. The document created for me was very explicit and easy to read. I would recommend :)"
Paul M.
Transactional attorney and corporate in house counsel for 15 years. Draft all types of contracts and employment agreements.
"Paul is prompt, professional, and knowledgable. I am happy with the prenuptial agreement I got and would be glad to work with him again."
March 8, 2025
David W.
David has experience assisting individuals, startups, mid-sized, and publicly traded companies with various business, corporate, and real estate matters including residential and commercial real estate sales, acquisitions, financing and leasing; contract drafting and negotiation; regulatory compliance; and business acquisition, sale, formation, and dissolution.
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Meet some of our other Noncompete Agreement Lawyers
Brett S.
I attended the University of Illinois- College of Law on a full merit scholarship. While in law school, I was a 711 Attorney at the Lake County State's Attorney's Office, specializing in traffic and misdemeanor cases. After graduation, I served as in-house counsel for one of the largest insurance companies in the world, managing thousands of cases from initial intake to trial. Upon leaving this position, I accepted a role as Legal Counsel to the Illinois Senate Minority Leader. There, I advised Senators on legislative matters, labor and employment law, and complex constitutional questions. After leaving public service, I accepted a role at a mid-size Chicago-based law firm, where I practice insurance defense and litigation. In addition to this, I also serve as outside general counsel to a food brokerage business, where I handle all of their labor and employment matters.
"Prompt and delivered project on time even with short notice."
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Zachary D.
Helping small business owners meet their legal needs.
Employee Rights
Noncompete Agreement
Texas
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.
If you moonlighting work is in the same business and same market, it is almost certainly prohibited by a noncompete agreement.
Employment
Noncompete Agreement
New York
Noncompete agreement breach consequences?
I recently left my job as an employee at a company that I had worked for for over a year. I was asked to sign a noncompete agreement when I began the job, which I did. I have since started a new job in the same industry as my former employer, which is in violation of the noncompete agreement. I am now wondering what the consequences of this breach of contract may be and am seeking legal advice.
Gregory F.
I would be happy to schedule a paid telephone consultation with you to review the non-compete agreement, advise you on its scope and enforceability, and answer your questions. Please contact me via email at greg@fidlonlegal.com to discuss.
Employment
Noncompete Agreement
Washington
Noncompete agreement and public policy?
I recently accepted a job offer with a new employer who asked me to sign a noncompete agreement. I am concerned that the agreement may not be in line with public policy and wanted to get a professional opinion from a lawyer to make sure I am not putting myself in a difficult situation.
Merry K.
If you are in Washington State, where I'm licensed, as opposed to D.C., please let me know what kind of help you are looking for - have you already signed the agreement? I've been a WA State attorney for nearly 38 years, and specialize in employment law.
Business
Noncompete Agreement
Florida
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.
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.
Employer
Noncompete Agreement
Connecticut
Can a noncompete agreement be waived?
I am a small business owner in the retail industry and I am looking to hire a new employee. The employee has a noncompete agreement with their previous employer that I am concerned about. I want to know if it's possible for the agreement to be waived so that I can be sure I'm making the right decision in hiring this employee.
Thomas L.
Yes, the parties to contracts can always agree to amendments and waivers. However, the former employer may have no interest in waiving the contract in this particular situation.
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