The History of Non-Compete Agreements

Non-compete agreements, which prevent workers from joining competitors or starting rival businesses, are facing significant changes as the Federal Trade Commission announced the impending ban on their enforcement. Originating from historical cases like that of a British dyer being restricted from setting up a shop in the same city, non-competes have evolved to impact a wide range of industries, including tech workers and doctors, affecting job mobility and wages. Jeff Hong's experience with Microsoft highlights the challenges individuals face when bound by non-compete clauses.