You and several friends start a new business and decide to operate it as a limited liability company (LLC). Now that you’ve completed the first step—choosing a business entity—it is now important to prepare an operating agreement. The operating agreement is a contract which governs the operations of the LLC and sets forth the arrangements made among the members, including their rights and responsibilities upon the withdrawal of a member. Although departure from the business may be the last thing on anyone’s mind, it is important to plan ahead. A non-competition, or non-compete, clause can help protect the company from harm inflicted if a former member decides to form a competing business.
What Is a Non-Competition Clause?
A non-compete clause protects business assets like goodwill, confidential information, and trade secrets by preventing the former member from using the knowledge gained while participating as a member of the LLC to compete against the LLC.
If the operating agreement contains a non-compete provision, a former member can be precluded from engaging in a similar type of business directly or indirectly in competition with the LLC. If the operating agreement does not contain such a clause, the former member is free to compete with the LLC.
In addition, the non-compete clause may prevent the member from soliciting the LLC’s clients or customers for business. Usually, such provisions take effect after the relationship has ended, although they sometimes may preclude members from competing with the LLC during their membership in the LLC.
Because non-competition provisions place restrictions on the former member’s ability to secure future employment, they will only be enforced if they are not unduly burdensome. Consequently, they must only restrict competition for a reasonable period of time and in a reasonable geographic area, Additionally, the scope of the services the former member may provide in a competing business must not be unduly restricted.
- Note that the standards for the enforceability of non-compete clauses vary from state to state, so it is important to work with an experienced business planning attorney to ensure your non-compete clause and LLC operating agreement are enforceable. For example, in some states, the LLC statute imposes a duty not to compete on managers and members that must be explicitly waived in the operating agreement to avoid applicability.
Does My LLC Really Need One?
Members of LLCs often have intimate knowledge of the business, such as its trade secrets, confidential information, and customer lists. If members are permitted to compete with the business immediately after they withdraw, and in the same geographical location, the financial success of the original business could be jeopardized.
Although many LLCs are formed by small groups of friends or family members who get along well and trust each other in the beginning, you cannot ignore the possibility of a dispute arising in the future. Circumstances can change, and it is important to try to prevent disagreements from undermining the success of your business. Including a non-compete clause in your operating agreement will help ensure your business is protected against a preventable harm.
We Are Here to Help
If you are interested in protecting your new or existing LLC, we can help you draft or amend your operating agreement to include key provisions such as a non-compete clause, as well as others specifically tailored to meet your business’s needs.
Please give us a call today to set up a consultation at (832) 408-0505. Our office is located at 17625 El Camino Real, Suite 102, Houston, TX 77058.
Gratia specializes in providing comprehensive solutions in Estate Planning, Probate, Family Law, and Business Formation. Whether guiding families through the intricacies of estate planning, navigating the probate process, or advising on business and family law matters, Gratia ensures every client feels respected, informed, and confident. Her approach is characterized by clear communication and tailored strategies that reflect the specific needs and values of her clients.
Gratia is deeply embedded in the local area, often participating in community outreach and educational programs. She offers both virtual and in-person consultations to meet the diverse needs of her clients.
