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16+ Non-Compete Agreement Templates for Every Need (Free | Word Format)
Protect your business, your clients, and your confidential information effortlessly with our fully customizable Non-Compete Agreement template—professional, easy to edit, and ready to download now.
Looking to protect your business and ideas? Our collection of 16+ non-compete agreement templates is here to help. Whether you’re hiring a new team member, working with a contractor, or finalizing a business deal, these templates make it easy to create clear, professional agreements. Each one is designed to be simple to customize—just fill in the blanks with your details. No legal jargon, no hassle. Just straightforward protection for what matters most to your business.
Download and Customize Your Non-Compete Agreement Now!
Choose the template format that works best for you—Word or Google Docs for editing and printing. Fill in key details like parties’ names, time period, geographic scope, and restricted activities. Always check local laws, since enforceability varies, and include fair compensation where required. Once customized, review carefully, sign, and keep copies. For added protection, consider a quick legal review before use.
Why Use These Templates?
These non-compete templates make it easy to create a professional agreement without starting from scratch. They’re written to cover the important parts—like how long the agreement lasts, what areas it applies to, and what activities are restricted—while still being simple to adjust for your own situation. Whether you’re hiring someone, working with a contractor, or selling a business, these templates help protect your clients, ideas, and confidential information. Instead of worrying about missing key details, you can quickly customize and use them with confidence.
When creating or customizing a Non-Compete Agreement, it’s important to include the right clauses and follow best practices. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
Parties & Scope – Clearly state who is involved in the agreement (employer/employee, business/contractor) and define their roles.
Restriction Details – Be specific about how long the agreement lasts and the geographic area it covers.
Consideration – Add something of value (like payment, benefits, or a bonus) to make the agreement fair and enforceable.
Penalties & Remedies – Outline what happens if the agreement is broken, such as financial damages or court orders.
Tailored Scope – Limit restrictions only to activities that directly compete with your business—avoid making it too broad.
Reasonableness – Keep the terms realistic; enforceability depends on fair time limits, scope, and local laws.
Severability Clause – Include a clause stating that if one part of the agreement is invalid, the rest still applies.
Governing Law & Jurisdiction – Specify which state or country’s laws will apply if there’s a dispute.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Non-compete agreements can be powerful tools, but they’re easy to get wrong. Here are some common mistakes you should watch out for:
Making the duration too long – Agreements lasting more than 2 years are rarely upheld by courts.
Using it for entry-level roles – Non-competes are usually meant for senior staff or those with access to sensitive information, not junior employees.
Being too broad in scope – Restricting “any industry” is often unenforceable; instead, limit it to your specific business area.
Forgetting to include consideration – To be valid, the agreement should offer something of value, like a bonus, payment, or added benefits.
By avoiding these pitfalls, you’ll have a stronger and more enforceable agreement.
How to Customize These Templates
Pick the right template – Choose one that fits your situation (employee, contractor, or business sale).
Fill in details – Add names, dates, scope of work, and restrictions.
Set limits – Define a fair duration (6–12 months) and relevant geographic area.
Add consideration – Include value such as payment, bonus, or benefits.
Check local laws – Rules differ by state or country.
Sign & save – Have both parties sign and keep a copy.
Tip: Always review with a legal professional for full enforceability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a non-compete agreement?
A non-compete agreement is a contract that prevents an employee or contractor from working with competitors or starting a competing business for a certain period of time.
Who should use these templates?
These templates are useful for employers, business owners, and contractors who want to protect confidential information, trade secrets, or client relationships.
Are these agreements enforceable in all states?
No. Non-compete laws vary by state and country. Some states limit or prohibit non-competes for certain employees, so it’s important to check local laws.
How long should a non-compete last?
Most enforceable non-competes last between 6 months and 2 years. Longer periods are often considered unreasonable and may not hold up in court.
