By Tommaso Fonti LL.M. and Petra D’Andrea –  Department of Global Mobility

patti di non concorrenza USA, panorama di Boston, logo Bacciardi Partners

In a previous article, we reported the introduction by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) of a ban on non-compete agreements in U.S. employment relationships, effective from September 4, 2024, while also noting that this ban had been challenged before multiple courts.

Below is an update on the outcomes of the initial rulings issued to date.

The United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, in the case of ATS Tree Services v. FTC, ruled that the prohibition on non-compete agreements is lawful, stating that the FTC possesses substantial rulemaking authority and has acted within the scope of its authority.

Conversely, the United States District Court for the Central District of Florida, in the case of Properties of the Villages, Inc. v. FTC, determined that the impending ban on non-compete clauses in employment contracts is likely unlawful, but did not find it necessary to prevent the FTC from enforcing the ban nationwide.

Finally, the United States District Court for the District of Texas, in the case of Ryan LLC and Chamber of Commerce of the USA (a coalition of the Chamber of Commerce) v. FTC, on appeal from a District Court ruling, overturned the ban, explicitly stating that the FTC does not have substantial authority to issue rules regarding unfair methods of competition.

This decision has nationwide effect, and thus, for the time being, the ban will not come into force on September 4, 2024, contrary to what was initially set out by the FTC.

The landscape will continue to evolve, and businesses operating in the U.S. must stay informed of future developments and their implications for the U.S. labor market.

Bacciardi Partners is available to assist your company in evaluating existing non-compete agreements and in identifying and suggesting possible alternative solutions to implement.

We therefore invite you to contact us directly at +39 0721 371139 or via email at segreteria@bacciardistudiolegale.it for further information or clarifications.