In the first quarter of 2026, state legislatures have continued to limit the use of restrictive covenants with employees, with the most industry-focused limitations once again being in health care.
This post tracks recent changes in non-compete law for Q1
On March 5, 2026, we previously advised that Virginia’s Senate Bill 170 introduces new limitations on the enforceability of restrictive covenants by protecting employees who are terminated without cause. Effective April 13, 2026, that bill became law.
What Virginia Employers
As part of Seyfarth’s 2026 Trade Secrets Webinar Series, our panel presented Protecting the House: Trade Secret Risks in Online Gaming, Sportsbooks & Predictive Markets, examining how the rapid expansion of digital wagering platforms is reshaping trade secret risk, regulatory
Washington yesterday adopted a major shift in its approach to employee restrictive covenants. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1155 (ESHB 1155), approved by the Legislature in March 2026 and signed by the Governor yesterday, eliminates the use of noncompetition agreements in
Washington State has long taken a skeptical view of noncompetition agreements—and that skepticism is now on the brink of becoming a complete ban. Both chambers of the Legislature have approved Engrossed Substitute House Bill (ESHB) 1155, and the bill now awaits
Virginia’s Senate Bill 170 (2026 Session) introduces new limitations on the enforceability of restrictive covenants by protecting employees who are terminated without cause. More specifically, the proposed amendment will render any non-compete unenforceable against an employee who was discharged from
As part of Seyfarth’s 2026 Trade Secrets Webinar Series, our panel presented The Modern Insider Threat: Shadow IT, BYOD, and Trade Secrets, examining how evolving workplace technology is reshaping trade secret risk, discovery obligations, and governance strategy.
Thursday, February 19, 20261:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Eastern12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Central11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Mountain10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Pacific
About the Program
Shadow IT and BYOD practices are not new – but the
To kick off the 2026 Trade Secrets Webinar Series, Seyfarth’s Trade Secrets, Computer Fraud & Non-Competes practice group presented 2025 Year in Review: Trade Secrets, Computer Fraud & Non-Competes, a timely discussion examining the most significant legal developments from 2025
In a case that should stand as a strong reminder to apportion your damages whenever possible, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a significant post‑trial ruling in Trinseo Europe GmbH v. Harper, et al., upholding the district court’s decision
