Under what circumstances are non-competition agreements enforceable in Georgia?

Non-competition agreements in Georgia are enforceable when they are deemed reasonable in both time and geographic scope. The state follows a rule that these types of contracts must not impose an undue burden on the former employee's ability to work in their profession while still protecting legitimate business interests of the employer.

For an agreement to be considered reasonable, it typically should limit restrictions to a defined geographic area and a specific duration that is appropriate under the circumstances. Courts will evaluate whether the terms serve to protect the employer’s interests without being overly broad or oppressive to the employee.

In contrast, agreements that are unlimited in time or scope could likely be found unenforceable, as they might unfairly restrict an individual's right to work. Other options that suggest court filing requirements or restrictions solely for key employees do not reflect the general enforceability standards that apply across various employment circumstances in Georgia. By ensuring that a non-competition agreement is reasonable in its limitations, both employers and employees can navigate their rights and obligations effectively within the legal framework.