Yes, a non-compete is legal in Connecticut except for:

• Attorneys. An attorney is not eligible to enter into a non-compete.^[1]
• Broadcast employees. No individual employed by a broadcast company (cable and radio stations) may enter into a non-compete. Any person that has had their rights violated under this section may seek damages and attorneys’ fees.^[2]
• Homemaker, companion, or home health services. Such professions are prohibited from entering a non-compete.^[3]
• Physicians. A physician may not be bound by any agreement that restricts their right to practice medicine.^[4]
• Security guards. A security guard with the classification of #339032 in the Bureau of Labor Statistics is not allowed to enter into a non-compete unless they have been made aware of trade secrets.^[5]

Continued employment is not sufficient consideration for a non-compete. The employee must have additional consideration which may include:^[6][7]

• Increased compensation;
• Promotion of improvement of title; or
• Employment in a different capacity.

A term of five (5) years has been honored in the 3 court cases.^[8][9][10]

It should be noted that Connecticut views non-compete’s time and geographic restrictions together.^[7]

Therefore, if an employer is to enter into a non-compete for five (5) years, the geographical area should not extend beyond the State.

A non-compete is allowed to be modified by a Connecticut court if the agreement includes a severability clause or gives a court the right to modify.^[11]Furthermore, a non-compete was considered unenforceable for an overbroad geographic area when no severability clause existed allowing a court to blue-pencil the agreement.^[12]