California Business and Professions Code

§ 16600

BPC § 16600 Effective Jan 1, 2024Div. 7 · Part 2 · Ch. 1

Statute text

(a)Except as provided in this chapter, every contract by which anyone is restrained from engaging in a lawful profession, trade, or business of any kind is to that extent void.

(b)(1) This section shall be read broadly, in accordance with Edwards v. Arthur Andersen LLP (2008) 44 Cal.4th 937, to void the application of any noncompete agreement in an employment context, or any noncompete clause in an employment contract, no matter how narrowly tailored, that does not satisfy an exception in this chapter.

(2)This subdivision does not constitute a change in, but is declaratory of, existing law.

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Legislative history

Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 828, Sec. 1. (AB 1076) Effective January 1, 2024.