Following a dynamic 2023 coupled with a continually evolving legal landscape, employers may feel that they are left with more questions than answers. During a recent webinar, McDermott’s employment team took a dive into the most pertinent legal updates of 2023 and shed light on uncertainties to prepare employers for the year ahead. The discussion covered new laws taking effect in 2024, explored key developments impacting the workforce and advised on what employers can expect heading into the new year.
Effective July 1, 2023, Minnesota will no longer allow covenants not to compete, with limited exceptions for the sale or dissolution of a business. The law is not retroactive, nor does it apply to nondisclosure agreements or client/customer nonsolicitation restrictions.
The US Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit recently upheld a district court’s grant of a preliminary injunction restricting a former employee from working for conflicting organizations or communicating with a competitor’s counsel. Stryker Emp. Co., LLC v. Abbas, Case No. 22-1563 (6th Cir. Feb. 16, 2023) (Clay, Bush, JJ.; Sutton, C.J.) The Court found that the preliminary injunction was an appropriate measure to protect the plaintiff’s confidential information that was consistent with the employee’s noncompete agreement.