non-solicitation of clients
Definition
A non-solicitation of clients clause is a promise someone makes, usually in an employment or business agreement, not to reach out to your customers and try to pull them away to a competitor or new venture. This restriction typically lasts for a set period of time after the person leaves your company, such as one or two years.
Example
If your top salesperson signs a non-solicitation agreement and then quits to start their own shop, they cannot call your best customers and invite them to switch their business over.
Watch Out
Courts in some states refuse to enforce these clauses if the time period is too long or the restrictions are written too broadly, so having a lawyer draft yours carefully is worth the investment.
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This definition is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult with a licensed attorney for legal guidance.