Here's a recent example https://www.geekwire.com/2017/amazon-sues-former-aws-vp-non-compete-deal-smartsheet-calls-claim-new-product-chief-enormous-overreach/ h

Here's a recent example https://www.geekwire.com/2017/amazon-sues-former-aws-vp-non-compete-deal-smartsheet-calls-claim-new-product-chief-enormous-overreach/ https://www.geekwire.com/2017/amazon-sues-former-aws-vp-non-... I personally lost a job in NYC post signed offer because counsel at the new company felt that, since both companies were in adtech (though in different verticals), the new company infringed the non-compete. And it apparently wasn't worth the fight. edit: the lawsuit was later dropped https://www.geekwire.com/2017/amazon-resolves-contentious-non-compete-lawsuit-former-aws-executive-left-new-job-smartsheet/ https://www.geekwire.com/2017/amazon-resolves-contentious-no... I doubt amazon refunded the probably $5k+ Gene Farrell spent in the meantime though.