Non-Compete Legislation Fails In Massachusetts

Earlier this year, Massachusetts governor Deval Patrick proposed legislation that would have made Massachusetts one of a very small number of states that ban non-compete agreements. It was argued at the time that such a ban would stimulate the growth of the state’s traditionally strong high-tech industry, which has been eclipsed by Silicon Valley. “Even a watered-down version of the bill failed to pass in the most recent legislative session,” writes Ogletree Deakins attorney Diane M. Saunders. “Employers in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts,” she says, “can breathe a sigh of relief.”