Wisconsin Noncompete Agreement: What's Included and Enforceability

Quick Facts — Noncompete Agreement Lawyers (Wisconsin)

Is a Non-Compete Agreement Enforceable in Wisconsin?

Yes. In Wisconsin, non-compete agreements are enforceable if the contract can pass the “5-Point Test” which was established by the Supreme Court of Wisconsin to regulate non-compete agreements.

The “5-Point Test” is comprised of five questions and in order for a non-compete to be enforceable, the employer must be able to answer “yes” to each question.

  1. Is there a need to restrict the employee for the protection of the business?
  2. Is the duration of the non-compete agreement reasonable?
  3. Is the restricted geographic area reasonable?
  4. Are the restrictions against the reasonable and not harsh or oppressive?
  5. Do the terms protect public interest?

As long as these questions are adhered to, an employer’s non-compete agreements should be enforceable in Wisconsin.

How Long Does a Wisconsin Non-Compete Agreement Last?

Wisconsin courts have determined that a term of two years is reasonable for a non-compete agreement when the geographic boundary is limited to one county. In most cases, the longer the duration of a non-compete agreement, the smaller the geographic boundary must be to keep the contract reasonable.

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

To get around a non-compete agreement in Wisconsin, an employee must show the court that the agreement fails the 5-Point Test and should be deemed unenforceable.

Other ways an employee may be able to get around a non-compete agreement include:

  • Find work outside the geographic boundary
  • Work in a different capacity or performing different tasks that are not covered by the non-compete agreement
  • Attempt to renegotiate the agreement with the employer

What Voids a Wisconsin Non-Compete Agreement?

A non-compete agreement in Wisconsin must be supported by consideration to be a valid contract. The courts have ruled that continued employment does not qualify as adequate consideration and there needs to be additional incentives like a raise in pay or promotion to support signing a non-compete. Without additional consideration, a non-compete will be void.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I hire a lawyer to draft a noncompete agreement in Wisconsin?
How much does it cost to hire a lawyer to review a noncompete agreement in Wisconsin?

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Lawyer Reviews for Wisconsin Noncompete Agreement Projects

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"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."

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Employment

Noncompete Agreement

Colorado

Asked on Mar 31, 2021

Can I get out of my noncompete agreement?

I am looking at my options.

Donya G.

Answered Mar 31, 2021

You may be able to be released from a non compete. You would have to review the language in the non compete to see the expiration. DISCLAIMER The answers to these questions do not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship with the attorney and anyone who reviews these responses.

Read 1 attorney answer>

Employment

Noncompete Agreement

Missouri

Asked on Dec 12, 2023

Could someone go to jail if they are accused of fraud for never intending to not breaching his or her non compete non solicit contract?

I am really curious when employment contract can become criminal. Is it criminal to ask you coworker to come work with you, considering if you are accused of fraud for breaching non compete non solicit?

Matthew S.

Answered Dec 16, 2023

No, this at worst is a civil matter and not a criminal matter. F

Read 1 attorney answer>

Employee Rights

Noncompete Agreement

California

Asked on Sep 12, 2022

i work for a employer from illinois ,however i am in california. My contract has non compete clause. will that be enforceable

My employer has placed me in a position thru another vendor. My employer contract with that vendor is ending. So vendor contacted me. However I am in contract with my employer for 1 year contract.

Christopher M.

Answered Sep 13, 2022

Short answer: Probably no, non-compete and non-solicitation clauses are not usually enforceable on an employee in California. Long Answer: Regardless of the choice of law provision in your contract, if an enforcement action is brought against you in California, the California courts will dismiss it as it goes against the "public policy of the state" unless your employer can make a really compelling case. Most states respect the stated public policy of other states when deciding matters against their citizens, so even if the case was brought in another states courts your soon to be former employer would probably be powerless to get a judgement enforcing your non-compete.

Read 1 attorney answer>

Employee Rights

Noncompete Agreement

Georgia

Asked on Jul 4, 2023

How does a noncompete agreement work?

I am an employee at a small business and I have recently been asked to sign a noncompete agreement. I am not sure how these agreements work and what rights I have as an employee. I am also concerned about the restrictions that could be placed on me if I sign the agreement. I want to make sure I understand the implications of signing the agreement before I do so.

Nancy B.

Answered Aug 4, 2023

In its simplest terms, a noncompete agreement in an employment context is an agreement that says you will not compete with your former employer if you ever stop working for them. It typically forbids things like: + Working for a competitor + Starting a company that sells the same services/products as your employer + Recruiting employees from your current employer after you have left that employment. One thought is that this could be requested shortly before letting an employee go just to protect the company from competition but I hope that is not the case here as it seems like an unfair use of the noncompete agreement ability in Georgia. The issues are usually the geographical scope (for example within 15 miles of Dalton, Georgia), the time period (one or two years is usually sufficient and courts do not favor long noncompete agreements), and the consideration (such as a new job - which is not applicable in your case, or more compensation). Regards, Nancy A. Burnett

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Employment

Noncompete Agreement

New York

Asked on Jun 29, 2023

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.

Answered Jul 6, 2023

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.

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