Global Guide to Non-Competition Agreements

Non-competition agreements can help a business protect its confidential information, trade secrets and customer relationships, and prevent unfair competition. However, whether such agreements can be enforced, and under what circumstances, vary significantly among jurisdictions. The aim of this publication is to have a dedicated resource on the enforceability of non-competition agreements, distilling the experience of numerous World Law Group ("WLG”) member firms into a single reference.We hope that this guide will be useful for those who have to deal with non-competition agreements in one of the jurisdictions covered. This guide focuses on the laws around the world as they currently stand at the date of publication. However, we cannot exclude some changes in the laws to a certain extent in this area. Please visit this page where we hope to post updates as they become available, and feel free to consult other reference sources.We wish you a good read!

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Thought Leadership
March 31, 2026

Engaging in business activities without documentary support can carry practical implications that may generate additional costs in the long run.
Wlg Collaborations
March 27, 2026

Joint effort in assisting Pride Western Australia (Pride WA) with the legal review required as part of its successful bid to host the Gay Games 2030.
Legal Updates
March 25, 2026

EU and French authorities are stepping up enforcement against no-poach agreements, signaling increased scrutiny of labor market practices and related antitrust risks for companies
Legal Updates
March 24, 2026

The National Registry Center (CNR), through ISPI, has launched CEMCAPI, strengthening the protection of intellectual property and other intangible assets in El Salvador.
Member Firm News
March 19, 2026

ARIAS recognizes the talent, dedication, and impact of its team, and is pleased to announce the recent promotions in its Guatemala office, reflecting the firm’s continued growth.
Member Firm News
March 12, 2026

Miller & Martin PLLC announces the addition of two attorneys, Kane Shepherd and Will Sikes, to its Chattanooga office, further strengthening the law firm’s real estate practice.
Thought Leadership, wlg Business Development
February 26, 2026

During a recent discussion hosted by World Law Group's Real Estate & Construction Group, Chris Alviggi of NFP Property & Casualty outlined how environmental risks can influence negotiations, due diligence, and whether a transaction ultimately moves forward.
Thought Leadership, wlg Business Development
February 26, 2026

Global trade continues to undergo structural change, shaped by tariffs, sanctions, industrial policy, and shifting geopolitical priorities. During WLG’s Trade Group virtual meeting on February 7, 2026, David Morfesi of MinterEllison in Australia moderated a discussion featuring regional updates from Mollie Sitkowski of Faegre Drinker in the...
Legal Updates
February 23, 2026

Under French law, failure to comply with related-party agreement authorization procedures now automatically exposes corporate officers to liability.
Thought Leadership, wlg Business Development
February 20, 2026

What does ESG look like in practice today, as geopolitical pressures, energy demand, and regulatory expectations continue to evolve? A recent meeting of World Law Group’s ESG Practice Group brought together lawyers from around the globe to compare what they are seeing on the ground.
Member Firm News
February 12, 2026

Global research publication WTR1000 has given SyCipLaw a Gold ranking in the 2026 edition of its directory, a ranking the Firm has held since 2021. The WTR1000 research focuses on legal trademark expe
Legal Updates
February 2, 2026

Ukraine’s subsoil use sector underwent significant regulatory changes in late 2025 and early 2026.
Legal Updates
February 2, 2026

Many employers in the Netherlands will face far-reaching decisions in 2026, including restructuring and reorganization.
Legal Updates
January 30, 2026

Bertha Argüello and Lizbeth Zapata, experts in Compliance from ARIAS Nicaragua, present this article with guidelines and deadline for the filing of Financial Statements corresponding for Fiscal Year-E
Thought Leadership
January 30, 2026

Denise Littman and Vanessa Muentes of ARIAS Panamá analyze company transformations as a legal and strategic tool.
Member Firm News
January 29, 2026

Sayenko Kharenko has been awarded Silver League status in the 2026 edition of WTR 1000. Partner Oleg Klymchuk received Silver League and counsel Volodymyr Hrunskyi Bronze League individual recognition
Legal Updates
January 27, 2026

The Dutch Supreme Court has confirmed that parties may make a partial choice of law under Article 3(1) of the Rome I Regulation
Legal Updates
January 19, 2026

At the end of 2025, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine and the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) adopted the necessary secondary legislation to launch the special tax and legal regime “Defence City”
Member Firm News
January 12, 2026

Miller & Martin PLLC is pleased to announce the election and promotion of attorneys Pharan Evans, Kyle Fuller and Evan Sharber to membership in the law firm effective January 2026.
Legal Updates
January 6, 2026

In 2026, new developments in Dutch employment and pension law are once again on the agenda. This publication outlines the most important changes and developments.
Legal Updates
January 5, 2026

Key Israeli labour law developments in 2025, including major rulings and regulatory changes, with practical guidance for employers preparing for heightened enforcement in 2026.
Member Firm News
December 1, 2025

Nataliia Hutarevych elected Chair of Ukrainian Bar Association’s Environmental Law Committee
Legal Updates
November 27, 2025

A new regulatory framework now governs the creation, operation, and development of the Belt and Road Special Economic Zones, including rules for their administration and the granting of benefits.
Legal Updates
November 24, 2025

On October 31, 2025, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine adopted Resolution No. 1399 [1](hereinafter referred to as the “Resolution”) introducing a zero export quota for unprocessed wood (except pine).
Member Firm News
November 20, 2025

Our Firm’s Partner, Spyros G. Alexandris LL.M., and Secretary General of the Association of Greek Commercialists, participated as a speaker at the 33rd Panhellenic Commercial Law Conference.
Member Firm Events
November 18, 2025

Bahas, Gramatidis & Partners & Herzog Fox & Neeman Law Firms at the Heart of Maritime MED II: Advancing the Strategic Greece-Israel Partnership.
Thought Leadership
November 17, 2025

The WLG Privacy & Data Protection Group convened in October for an EMEA-focused discussion centered on three fast-moving areas: immaterial damage claims under the GDPR, Microsoft’s contractual and technical data protection regime, and how AI models can be trained lawfully under European privacy law. The session offered a clear view of how...
Member Firm News
November 12, 2025

Sayenko Kharenko strengthens Trade & Customs Leadership with Lexology Index Recognition
Legal Updates
October 27, 2025

Recent tariff measures affecting pharmaceutical products and ingredients have introduced new compliance and cost considerations in Canada and abroad.
Legal Updates
October 24, 2025

This article is the first in a series of four, providing practical insight and guidance on the civil professional liability law of attorneys in the Netherlands in 2025.
Member Firm News
October 23, 2025

Anzhela Makhinova has been named among Top 3 Ukrainian Franchising Experts by Lexology Index: Franchising 2025
Legal Updates
October 20, 2025

On 5 October 2025, Law No. 4577-IX came into force, setting the basis for the launch of the incentive-based tax and legal regime Defence City.
Thought Leadership
October 6, 2025

The Tax Residence Certificate in Costa Rica certifies tax residency, allows treaty benefits, and guides cross-border operations.
Thought Leadership
October 1, 2025

In Nicaragua, collaborations with content creators require careful IP management, balancing trademarks, copyrights, image rights, and data protection to ensure legal certainty in advertising campaigns
Thought Leadership
October 1, 2025

The Special Law on Collection, Utilization, and Final Disposal of Waste is now the overarching law on waste management in El Salvador.
Legal Updates
September 12, 2025

From 1 October 2025, Ukraine applies a 10% export duty on soybeans and rapeseed under Law No. 4536-IX (dated 16 July 2025), amending the Tax Code in connection with industrial pollution legislation.
Thought Leadership
August 29, 2025

The article explores IP and content creator collaborations in Nicaragua, focusing on trademarks, copyrights, personal data, and image rights in digital environments and related legal challenges.
Legal Updates
August 1, 2025

As of 1 August 2025, the core provisions of Ukraine’s legal framework for open banking have entered into force.
Member Firm News
July 28, 2025

Sayenko Kharenko's intellectual property practice earned Tier 3 recognition in Managing IP's prestigious IP Stars 2025 rankings, placing the firm among elite IP practices serving global markets.
Legal Updates
July 18, 2025

The Government was authorised to approve the Lists by the recent amendments to the Subsoil Code of Ukraine.
Legal Updates
July 10, 2025

This article outlines the key rules governing price determination in a sales contract under French law, in order to avoid the risk of nullity.
Legal Updates
July 3, 2025

This Newsletter provides a selection of legislative and case law developments and relevant labor-related news.
Thought Leadership
July 1, 2025

Effective contract risk management ensures success by anticipating issues, minimizing impacts, and protecting relationships—through proactive, thorough, and goal-aligned implementation.
Member Firm News
June 30, 2025

Sayenko Kharenko is delighted to announce that Partner Anzhela Makhinova has been awarded “Lawyer of the Year—International Trade” at the Women in Business Law EMEA Awards 2025.
Member Firm News
June 25, 2025

Cuatrecasas advised Tion Renewables GmbH on acquiring a portfolio of four solar photovoltaic energy projects with an installed capacity of 104 MW in Spain
Legal Updates
June 23, 2025

Working relationships in the Netherlands are now being reclassified through a series of recent political and legal developments.
Member Firm News
June 9, 2025

As Gunster celebrates its 100th anniversary, shareholder  Bob Raynes  reflected on the firm’s enduring legacy, values, and community impact in an interview with  The Scout Guide Treasure Coast . Raynes emphasized that Gunster’s core principles—excellence, servant leadership, professionalism, and collaboration—have remained...
Thought Leadership
June 2, 2025

In El Salvador, control is key to defining when a merger must be notified to the Superintendence of Competition under criteria like independence, thresholds, geographic nexus, and change of control.
Thought Leadership
May 28, 2025

In Panama, service contracts may be reclassified as employment if they show labor traits, leading to legal risks. Companies must structure agreements carefully.
Thought Leadership
May 20, 2025

Learn how legal systems in different countries address the impact of sudden import tariffs and other trade barriers on commercial contracts
Member Firm News
May 12, 2025

Sayenko Kharenko announces its dual shortlisting in the prestigious Women in Business Law EMEA Awards 2025.
Thought Leadership
May 6, 2025

The Non-Compete Agreement in the employment relationship and its legality in the region.
Thought Leadership
April 29, 2025

Horizontal restraints are considered the most detrimental practices to free competition and are therefore prohibited by Law.
Thought Leadership
April 11, 2025

New Ruling Reinforces Limits on Automatic Stay Waivers
Legal Updates
April 1, 2025

Private defence companies gain access to state military tech as Ukrainian Government approves Resolution No. 279 on March 9, 2025, allowing transfer of state-owned technologies to private sector
Legal Updates
April 1, 2025

New Foreign Investment Law, which aims to establish the legal provisions for the promotion, encouragement, facilitation, formalization, follow-up and management of foreign investments in Nicaragua.
Legal Updates
March 7, 2025

The decision of the U.S. government to at least temporarily impose 25% tariffs on most Canadian exports raises novel questions about the treatment of U.S. investments into Canada. This update summarizes the framework for treatment of U.S. investment into Canada and considers how recent developments might impact that treatment. It also describes...
Legal Updates
March 4, 2025

Spain's M&A market outlook and M&A market trends
Legal Updates
February 28, 2025

Learn how the recently enacted Special Law on Waste Collection, Utilization, and Final Disposal governs waste management, collection, and final disposal. The Law establishes the National Authority of Solid Waste (ANDRES) and outlines the responsibilities of waste generators and managers. Discover the penalties and new regulations in this article.
Legal Updates, thought Leadership
February 28, 2025

The content addresses the formal requirements in promise-to-sell agreements for real estate in Guatemala, and from such standpoint, all which is relative to its registration with the Property Registry.
Legal Updates
February 27, 2025

Since the rise of ChatGPT and other forms of generative AI, AI has been used in the execution of work in almost all companies. If that applies to your company, there is work to be done.
Legal Updates
February 10, 2025

On 9 February 2025, the Law of Ukraine “On Amendments to Certain Laws of Ukraine in the Energy and Heat Supply Sectors to Improve Certain Provisions Related to the Conduct of Business and Effect of Martial Law in Ukraine” No. 4213-IX (the Law) entered into force. The Parliament adopted the Law on the 14 January 2025 based on the Draft Law No....
Legal Updates
January 30, 2025

In 2025, labor law in the Netherlands has undergone several changes. This article covers the most important changes and the legislative adjustments planned for the future.
Member Firm News
January 28, 2025

In Argentina, no specific legislation is dedicated exclusively to protecting whistleblowers within the private sector. However, in the public sector, Law No. 21,592 establishes certain protections for individuals who report illegal activities or misconduct. This law criminalizes retaliation against whistleblowers in specific circumstances,...
Legal Updates
January 28, 2025

This Newsletter contains information on the main provisions of the new Law for the Administration of the Monetary and Financial System.
Legal Updates
January 28, 2025

Rafael Burgos and Paola Colorado from El Salvador, experts in Corporate Law, share this article on smart contracts and their transformative impact on the legal field.
Member Firm News
January 21, 2025

SyCipLaw is pleased to announce the promotion to senior associates of Leo Francis F. Abot, Kevin Joseph C. Berbaño, Christopher A. Capulong, Fenina Maria C. De Leon, Raymond Joseph S. Garcia, Rose Ann Joy V. Gonzales, Julia Patricia C. Herrera-Lim, and Yzabel Renee E. Limchoc. They represent the Firm’s wide range of experience and...
Legal Updates
January 17, 2025

The Competition Bureau has announced an agreement with Empire Company (i.e., Sobeys) for the removal of a ‘property control’ that the Bureau says restricted grocery competition in a small Alberta town. This action follows recent legislative changes that expanded the Bureau’s ability to challenge anticompetitive agreement. This action may presage...
Member Firm News
January 3, 2025

Cuatrecasas has advised Vodafone Holdings Europe on its agreement with MasOrange to jointly create a wholesale fiber-optics company—FibreCo—covering 12.2 million premises (homes, offices and establishments, with clients from both telecommunications companies) across Spain.
Legal Updates
December 23, 2024

On November 20, 2024, the Congress of the Republic of Guatemala approved the draft Antitrust Law, which was published in the Official Gazette on December 9 and enters into force according to what is stated here. Find out how this law could impact your business after it goes into effect.
Legal Updates
December 4, 2024

We have the pleasure of presenting the latest issue of Setterwalls’ Life Sciences report. The report presents our view on selected current issues with respect to life sciences. The enclosed report, together with earlier editions, is also available on our website. We hope you will find the report of interest.
Thought Leadership
December 3, 2024

The protection granted by a trademark registration represented through a distinctive sign provides control mechanisms on how they are exploited, thus guaranteeing a benefit, both for the company that grows with a globalized product and for the consumer who has access to a quality product, regardless of who uses or exploits the trademark.
Thought Leadership
November 14, 2024

If your business operates online and uses common marketing tools, your business is at risk of being targeted for lawsuits under pre-internet wiretapping and video rental privacy laws. It is critical to address and mitigate risk before these claims are filed.
Member Firm News
November 8, 2024

Sayenko Kharenko partner Anzhela Makhinova has been recognized among just four Ukrainian franchise law practitioners named in the prestigious Lexology Index 2024. This recognition reinforces the firm's position in providing comprehensive legal support for businesses expanding through franchising models.
Thought Leadership
November 8, 2024

Jeynner Gutiérrez, Associate expert in Fiscal Law from ARIAS Nicargua, shares this article on the Nicaraguan tax system and how it has different areas of improvement for a better management of the tax simplified regime.
Legal Updates
October 28, 2024

In response to the increasing supply and demand for condominium units, the Contract Committee (the “Committee”) under the Consumer Protection Act B.E. 2522 (1979) (the “Consumer Protection Act”) has taken significant steps to safeguard consumer interests. On 30 August 2024, the Committee issued the Notification of the Contract Committee re:...
Legal Updates
October 21, 2024

We often hear a question from our trademark clients is whether the full-scale invasion of Russia serves an excuse for trademark non-use. The Supreme Court of Ukraine has issued an important decision on early trademark termination due to its non-use for five consecutive years. As you can imagine, about three years of this period is covered by the...
Wlg | Impact
October 16, 2024

Formosa Transnational (FT) established its ESG Research Group in 2020. Since then, the ESG Group has actively explored and advanced issues related to CSR, ESG, and the SDGs within monthly meetings, including: ESG governance in enterprises, due diligence on human rights and other ESG issues, sustainability agreements and antitrust, green washing...
Member Firm News
October 15, 2024

Cuatrecasas has advised EV Motors, a comprehensive solutions provider for the automotive industry, on its listing in the BME Growth segment of the multilateral trading facility BME MTF Equity.
Thought Leadership
October 2, 2024

The right of withdrawal in Costa Rica, regulated by Law 7472 and its regulations, are limited to door-to-door sales. It allows consumers to rescind contracts within eight business days of their completion without any liability. This provision, an exception to the principle of Pacta Sunt Servanda, protects Costa Rican consumers. Unlike Spain,...
Legal Updates
September 30, 2024

Our tax expert in Panama shares this article on tax evasion and the measures adopted by Panamanian authorities.
Thought Leadership
September 30, 2024

The updating of laws and the clarification of legal gaps necessitate the emergence of new regulations or reforms of existing ones; therefore, bills currently being discussed in the Legislative Assembly will be analyzed.
Thought Leadership
September 26, 2024

Digital transformation is an imminent need for companies and governments around the world. In this context, the electronic signature has become an essential tool to facilitate the execution of contracts, commercial transactions and other legal acts without the need to be physically present.
Member Firm News
September 17, 2024

Mauritius' economy is diversified. It is recognized as an established offshore financial center for investment on the African continent, with various international banks present in the country. Investment opportunities exist in agro-industry, blue economy, education, financial services, freeport and logistics, healthcare and pharmaceuticals,...
Member Firm News
September 13, 2024

Vietnam's economy now shows signs of recovery following an economic downturn from 2020 to 2023. Manufacturing and real estate present the most opportunities for foreign investment in the country, with manufacturing accounting for 66.4% of the total registered foreign direct investment, driven by its crucial role in Vietnam’s export-oriented...
Member Firm News
September 11, 2024

Bruchou & Funes de Rioja introduces its new Corporate Conflict Platform, created to address the legal and commercial challenges related to corporate conflicts within companies in Argentina.
Legal Updates
September 3, 2024

In April 2024, the Federal Trade Commission issued a nationwide rule banning noncompete agreements starting on September 4 — on August 20, a federal judge in Texas issued a sweeping decision that prevents the FTC’s Noncompete Rule from taking effect.
Member Firm News
September 2, 2024

Ligia Pereira Schlittler returns to the firm bringing 25 years of experience in energy regulation and M&A, with focus on renewable energy and infrastructure projects.
Thought Leadership
August 28, 2024

Our attorneys in Costa Rica, specializing in Intellectual Property, share key recommendations for successfully registering trademarks in the country. Properly managing an intellectual property portfolio is crucial to avoid mistakes that could jeopardize a company's rights.
Member Firm News
August 15, 2024

Austin Monthly Magazine Names Meredith Gregston Among Austin’s Top Attorneys 2024
Member Firm News
August 9, 2024

Cuatrecasas has advised the ORIX Group company Elawan Energy SL on its agreement with Corporación Acciona Energías Renovables SA to acquire Acciona Saltos de Agua SLU—a hydroelectric power producer and its three subsidiaries. The transaction is expected to be closed by the end of this year, subject to regulatory approvals.
Thought Leadership
August 7, 2024

Learn about legislation related to practices that hinder or limit free competition to avoid monopolistic practices. Our experts explain how the relationship with your company’s competitors should be like and provide recommendations to avoid engaging in such practices.
Legal Updates
August 2, 2024

Diversity and inclusion are topics that nowadays play an important role for every company doing business in Germany. A corporate culture of diversity is key for a successful company as it not only demonstrates the company’s awareness and acknowledgement of its social structure but can also strengthen the employees’ sense of belonging and...
Legal Updates
July 26, 2024

The Netherlands Commercial Court (NCC) has set a precedent in a post-merger and acquisition (M&A) dispute by enforcing a contractual disclosure clause, thereby granting the seller extensive rights to documents and interviews with key executives. This decision underscores the NCC's commitment to uphold disclosure agreements within contracts and...
Thought Leadership
July 23, 2024

Ivón Hernández and Cristina Ortega, lawyers in Guatemala and experts in Intellectual Property, share with us this article related to the Olympic Games, the largest sporting event globally. The Olympic symbol is one of the most recognized trademarks worldwide. There are other intellectual property assets or Olympic Properties, whose use is...
Member Firm News
July 18, 2024

Cuatrecasas has advised Druni—the perfume, cosmetics and health & beauty retailer—on implementing the agreements signed in June 2023 with Arenal and MCretail to create a leading health and beauty retailer, with a joint turnover in excess of €1 billion in 2023 and over 500 stores open to the public.
Legal Updates
July 12, 2024

This Newsletter provides a selection of legislative and case law developments and relevant labor-related news
Wlg | Impact
July 8, 2024

As part of World Environment Day and this year's UN slogan, we carried out a joint activity with AMBA, an NGO to which we provide probono services.   Organización Civil Amba is a non-profit organisation that since 2016 develops several projects to protect biodiversity in the province of Rocha. They work in the preservation of...
Legal Updates
July 5, 2024

On June 28, by a large majority in the House of Representatives, with 147 votes in favor and 107 against, the "Ley de Bases" was approved. This bill promotes private enterprise and the free development of industry and commerce, while limiting any unnecessary state intervention. But it only defines the main guiding principles that...
Legal Updates
June 27, 2024

Since the enactment of the Fair Consumer Contracts Act in 2022, which mandated the inclusion of a cancellation button for evergreen agreements on websites in Germany (also known as the “2-click cancellation law”), there has been a lot of attention by German Consumer Protection Associations (CPA) and a notable impact on businesses.
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