Are Non-Compete Agreements Enforceable in Texas? (2025)

As a Texas attorney who frequently handles contract dispute matters involving non-compete agreements, one of the questions that I am asked more than any other (by both employers and employees) is:

Are non-compete agreements enforceable in Texas?

The answer is: Yes, they can be. Texas law makes non-compete agreements enforceable if they are:

Accompanied by or part of an otherwise enforceable agreement;
Supported by valid consideration (ie. something of value given to the employee), and;
Reasonable in time, geographic scope, and activities to be restrained.

If these elements exist a Texas employer may be able to effectively enforce the terms of a non-compete agreement to protect company goodwill and confidential information.

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Contact attorney Robert Wood for help with your noncompete issue.

That being said, Texas law generally disfavors contracts and arrangements that restrict employee mobility. The Texas Free Enterprise and Antitrust Act of 1983 states that “Every contract, combination, or conspiracy in restraint of trade or commerce is unlawful.” However, the Texas legislature has carved out an exception to this, by allowing non-compete agreements to be enforceable in certain circumstances.

Whether you are an employee or an employer in Texas, I can help you understand the enforceability of your specific non-compete clause.

Contact me anytime to set up a time to speak with me for answers.

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Continue reading for a more in-depth explanation of the enforceability of non compete agreements in Texas.

To Be Enforceable in Texas, Non-Competes Must Be Reasonable in Scope

Texas courts have recognized that overly broad restrictions on employee mobility are harmful to the free market. Accordingly, not all non-compete agreements (i.e., restrictive covenants) are enforceable in Texas. To be valid under Texas law, a covenant not to compete must be “ancillary to an otherwise enforceable agreement.”

Then, the restrictions must be reasonable in scope.

What Does “Otherwise Enforceable Agreement” Mean?

The “otherwise enforceable agreement” requirement simply means that both parties to the contract must have made binding promises. In the 1990s and 2000s, whether an “otherwise enforceable agreement” existed was the subject of much litigation—especially in the context of an at-will employee.

An at-will employee in Texas would typically contend that any consideration promised by the employer—such as specialized training—was “illusory,” because the employee could theoretically be fired before receiving it. For years, this was an argument that Texas courts accepted.

The Sheshunoff Decision: A Turning Point

That all changed in 2006, when the Texas Supreme Court issued its Sheshunoff opinion. There, the court held that a promise to an at-will employee could be part of a valid agreement once the consideration was actually provided.

This was an important holding, as it precluded a substantial amount of potential litigation related to when the consideration for a non-compete was given.

Marsh USA and the Shift Toward Enforceability

Several other Texas Supreme Court cases enhanced the enforceability of non-compete agreements, culminating in the Marsh USA case in 2011. There, the court held that the consideration given by the employer—such as confidential information or access to clients—did not have to “give rise” to the need to restrain competition. Rather, the consideration had to be “reasonably related” to the need to restrain competition.

In the right case, consideration such as:

Confidential information,
Trade secrets, and
The need to protect goodwill

could meet this standard.

Balancing Contract Freedom and Free Market Competition

In reaching this result, the Texas Supreme Court emphasized that the Texas Constitution protects the freedom to contract. But it also reaffirmed that non-competes must be narrowly tailored. The court noted that “unreasonable limitations” could “hinder legitimate competition.”

In his concurring opinion in Marsh USA, Justice Willett cautioned judges to carefully evaluate “when competition becomes unfair competition and when a restraint becomes an unreasonable or unnecessarily restrictive restraint.” Texas law, he said, “does not allow protectionism,” and non-competes cannot protect against “the bruises of ordinary competition.”

So—Are Non-Competes Enforceable in Texas?

The answer, as with many legal questions, is: it depends.

What an employee bound by a non-compete really wants to know is: What will happen to me if I violate a non-compete in Texas?

What Will Happen to Me if I Violate a Non Compete Agreement in Texas?

There is no easy answer to that question. The contract itself must be reviewed, as well as the individual circumstances.

Also, a non-compete agreement, even if supported by valid consideration, must be reasonable in scope. Some non competes are unreasonable, because the term of the restriction, the geographic scope, or the scope of the activity to be restrained is too broad.

Even if a non compete is valid under Texas law, that does not mean that an employer suing to enforce the agreement will automatically prevail. An employee bound by a non-compete may have various defenses. The employer’s unclean hands, for example, may be a defense to injunctive relief. Or, an employer seeking a temporary injunction may not have suffered irreparable harm, or it may have an adequate legal remedy. The facts of each case must be carefully analyzed.

Get answers from an experienced Texas noncompete attorney

We have assisted many employees who are bound by non-competes. We are familiar with the law governing these agreements. We also have substantial practical experience, gained from both inside and outside of the courtroom. Also, because we also represent companies, we know how employers tend to view violations of these agreements.

If you are party to a noncompete agreement or have a legal matter involving a non compete in Texas, contact us today.

FAQ: Hiring Me to Help with Your Noncompete Issue

I Have a Noncompete Agreement That I Need to Have Reviewed. What Is Your Process?

I will review the agreement and then we will set up a time to talk.

Will the Conversation Occur via Telephone or in Person?

I conduct 99% of my consultations via phone or Zoom (Zoom is best).

What Will We Talk About?

I will ask questions so that I can learn the details of your situation. I will discuss the law with you and the facts of your situation. I will work with you to make the best decision for you, by assessing possible risks and rewards.

How Long Will We Talk?

As long as necessary. Typically, 30-45 minutes or so.

Is That Long Enough?

Yes. I don’t waste time, and since I have done over 1,000 noncompete consultations, I know the questions to ask, and I am good at quickly analyzing a situation.

What if I Think of Another Question After Our Conversation? Is There an Additional Charge to Talk With You Again?

Typically, there would not be another charge. Of course, if I end up spending substantial time, I will have to go back on the clock, but an additional few minutes of questions will not be a problem.

What if I Need You to Negotiate With My Employer or Send a Letter for Me? Is There an Additional Charge for That?

Typically, yes. But it may not be necessary for me to engage with your employer. Let’s talk and determine whether that is necessary. If it becomes necessary for me to communicate with your employer, again, I don’t waste time—I am able to get things done efficiently.

Do You Mainly Represent Employees or Employers?

Both. I have advised many employees and have represented many employees in litigation.

What Is Your Usual Turnaround on Reviewing an Agreement and Having a Consultation?

I can act quickly, usually within a day or two (and sometimes the same day). And I am often available at night and on Saturday.

My Cousin Steve Says That Texas Is a “Right to Work State,” and That Noncompete Agreements Are Not Enforceable Here. Are You Sure I Need to Talk With You?

You do need to talk with me. “Right to work” has nothing to do with noncompete agreements. It simply means that you can’t be forced to join a labor union.

When I Signed My Noncompete, I Wasn’t Given a Choice on Whether to Do So. Plus, I Was Not Paid Any Money, nor Was I Given a Promotion. Do We Really Need to Talk?

Yes, we do.

Since I Signed a Noncompete, Is It Really Worthwhile to Talk With You? Should I Just Comply With It?

This is a strange area of the law. It’s often not as simple as, “You signed it, you must comply.” The individual facts of each case have to be analyzed. Plus, given my 25+ years of experience, I have a good feel for which situations will end up in litigation and which ones will not.

Do I Really Need You? Can’t I Just Watch Some Videos Online?

You can find a lot of information online. What you’ll get from me, though, is an individualized assessment of your situation. Over the years, I’ve gotten good at distinguishing between situations that look safe and ones that look dangerous. I won’t just tell you what the law is. I’ll give you a recommendation on what to do, based on your individual circumstances.

I Work for the Worst Boss in the World. I Know He Will Sue Me. Can You Really Help?

I hear this all the time. But there’s a big difference between threatening to sue someone and actually doing it. I’ll work with you to assess whether your boss is bluffing.

What Is Your Main Objective for the Individuals With Whom You Work?

To keep them out of trouble. My goal is that we will talk once and you will get some good advice so that you don’t have to call me again. But I also want to keep you from just “laying down”—I want to come up with a game plan that allows you to get out of a bad situation (if you are in one) and get on with your career.

If My Employer Sues Me, Will You Represent Me?

That would be a separate engagement. But I have handled many noncompete lawsuits, on both sides of the docket, and have had a lot of success.

I Am a Physician. Do You Have Experience Working With Doctors?

Absolutely. Some of my best results have been on behalf of individual physicians. I have reviewed hundreds of physician contracts. I have a good feel for whether a particular contract is “friendly” or “unfriendly” for the physician, and because of my experience, I know the pitfalls to look for.

Is There Anything Unique About Physician Contracts?

Yes. There are certain legal requirements that only apply to physicians.

Are Non-Compete Agreements Enforceable in Texas in 2025?

Attorney Robert Wood