Create a bespoke document in minutes,聽or upload and review your own.
Get your first 2 documents free
Your data doesn't train Genie's AI
You keep IP ownership聽of your information
Non-Compete Agreement
I need a non-compete agreement for an employee in a mid-level position, restricting them from working with direct competitors within a 50-kilometer radius for a period of 12 months after leaving the company. The agreement should include exceptions for roles that do not involve direct competition and should comply with Swiss labor laws.
What is a Non-Compete Agreement?
A Non-Compete Agreement stops employees from working for competitors or starting rival businesses after leaving their job. In Switzerland, these agreements must be in writing and can only restrict work activities that would actually harm the former employer's legitimate interests.
Swiss law limits non-compete clauses to a maximum of three years, and they must be reasonable in terms of geography and scope. Courts won't enforce overly broad restrictions, and employers must pay fair compensation during the non-compete period. The agreement becomes void if the employer terminates the work relationship without valid reasons.
When should you use a Non-Compete Agreement?
Use a Non-Compete Agreement when hiring employees who will access sensitive business information, trade secrets, or valuable client relationships. This protection is especially important for Swiss companies in technology, pharmaceuticals, financial services, and specialized manufacturing sectors where proprietary knowledge drives competitive advantage.
Consider implementing these agreements during initial employment negotiations or promotions to senior roles. The timing matters - Swiss courts are more likely to enforce agreements signed at the start of employment rather than added later. Focus on protecting specific, legitimate business interests rather than broadly restricting an employee's future work options.
What are the different types of Non-Compete Agreement?
- Non Compete Non Solicitation Agreement: Comprehensive protection covering both competitive employment and client/employee poaching
- Non Solicitation Agreement For Independent Contractors: Tailored for freelancers and contractors who access sensitive information
- Non Compete Clause In Shareholders Agreement: Specifically designed to prevent shareholders from competing with the company
- Employee Non Solicitation Agreement: Focuses solely on preventing the recruitment of former colleagues
- Not To Compete Agreement: Standard restriction on competitive activities, customizable by industry and role
Who should typically use a Non-Compete Agreement?
- Employers and Companies: Draft and enforce Non-Compete Agreements to protect trade secrets, client relationships, and competitive advantage
- Senior Executives: Often subject to stricter non-compete terms due to their access to strategic information and client relationships
- Sales Representatives: Commonly bound by these agreements to prevent client poaching after employment ends
- Legal Counsel: Review and customize agreements to ensure compliance with Swiss labor law and enforceability
- HR Managers: Implement and manage these agreements during hiring and employment termination processes
- Technical Specialists: Frequently sign these agreements to protect proprietary knowledge and development processes
How do you write a Non-Compete Agreement?
- Business Scope: Define the specific competitive activities and geographic areas you need to protect
- Time Period: Determine a reasonable duration (max 3 years under Swiss law) based on industry standards
- Employee Details: Document the role, access to sensitive information, and client relationships
- Compensation: Calculate fair compensation for the non-compete period as required by Swiss law
- Key Markets: Map out the relevant cantons or regions where restrictions will apply
- Draft Review: Use our platform to generate a compliant agreement that includes all mandatory elements
- Internal Approval: Get sign-off from HR and department heads before presenting to employee
What should be included in a Non-Compete Agreement?
- Parties and Roles: Clear identification of employer and employee with full legal names and addresses
- Scope Definition: Precise description of prohibited competitive activities and protected business interests
- Geographic Limits: Specific regions or cantons where restrictions apply
- Duration Clause: Clear timeframe not exceeding three years as per Swiss law
- Compensation Terms: Detailed description of payment during the restriction period
- Termination Effects: Conditions when the agreement becomes void or unenforceable
- Confidentiality Scope: Definition of protected information and trade secrets
- Signatures Block: Space for dated signatures from all parties
What's the difference between a Non-Compete Agreement and a Non-Disclosure Agreement?
A Non-Compete Agreement differs significantly from a Non-Disclosure Agreement in both scope and purpose. While both protect business interests, they operate quite differently under Swiss law.
- Restriction Focus: Non-compete agreements limit future employment or business activities, while NDAs protect confidential information from disclosure
- Duration Limits: Non-competes are capped at three years in Switzerland, but NDAs can remain valid indefinitely
- Compensation Requirements: Non-competes must include payment for the restriction period; NDAs typically don't require compensation
- Enforcement Scope: Non-competes face stricter court scrutiny and geographical limitations, while NDAs are generally easier to enforce
- Legal Prerequisites: Non-competes require written form and specific business justification; NDAs can be more flexible in format and justification
Download our whitepaper on the future of AI in Legal
骋别苍颈别鈥檚 Security Promise
Genie is the safest place to draft. Here鈥檚 how we prioritise your privacy and security.
Your documents are private:
We do not train on your data; 骋别苍颈别鈥檚 AI improves independently
All data stored on Genie is private to your organisation
Your documents are protected:
Your documents are protected by ultra-secure 256-bit encryption
Our bank-grade security infrastructure undergoes regular external audits
We are ISO27001 certified, so your data is secure
Organizational security
You retain IP ownership of your documents
You have full control over your data and who gets to see it
Innovation in privacy:
Genie partnered with the Computational Privacy Department at Imperial College London
Together, we ran a 拢1 million research project on privacy and anonymity in legal contracts
Want to know more?
Visit our for more details and real-time security updates.
Read our Privacy Policy.