The default in California is not to enforce non-competes, but there are exceptions [1]. The default in other states is to enforce them, but there are exceptions

The default in California is not to enforce non-competes, but there are exceptions [1]. The default in other states is to enforce them, but there are exceptions [2]. [1] For example, if I sell you my business and agree to sign a non-compete that I won't then turn around immediately and compete with you, these non-compete agreements will generally be upheld. [2] In most states, courts have latitude to decide on what counts as "unreasonable". For example, a non-compete for a janitor at a Fortune 500 company probably won't be upheld. An executive's non-compete at the same company probably will be. But there's a lot of gray area in-between.