While the Oregon legislature has severely restricted the use of noncompetition agreements in the employment context, under a law adopted effective January 1, 2008 (ORS 653.295), the law now specifically states that the restrictions do not apply to agreements “not to solicit employees of the employer or solicit or transact business with customers of the employer.” An employer is still entitled to enter into an enforceable non-solicitation agreement with an employee under Oregon law. Further, the restrictions upon the use and enforceability of noncompetition agreements do not limit the employer’s ability to enter into a non-disclosure agreement with the employee. The foregoing is for informational purposes, and should not be considered legal advice.

Effective January 1, 2008, the Oregon legislature significantly restricted the use of arbitration agreements in the employment context. In order for an arbitration agreement to be enforceable against an employee, the employer must inform the employee in a written employment offer received by the employee that an arbitration agreement is required (more…)