Seattle Attorney Discusses Proposed Legislation Restraining Noncompetition Covenants

In the Vancouver Business Journal article titled “Protectable Interests,” Seattle Partner Catharine Morisset discusses a proposed law in Washington state that narrow the restraints of noncompetition covenants. The law, SB 5478, is expected to pass the legislature and would take effect on Jan. 1, 2020. The new legislation includes salary thresholds for employees and independent contractors, specific time limits, guidelines for franchisors and more. 

According to Catharine, employers are particularly concerned about a subsection of the legislation that would create a brand-new avenue for litigation. She says, “Under this new law, an employee can sue and they could get damages.” 

To read the full article, visit the Vancouver Business Journal.