Non-Compete Agreement
Non-compete agreement with clear geographic and time limits for employees, partners and contractors.
Standard version — consistent with Uzbekistan court practice, balanced interests.
What it is and why you need it
A non-compete agreement protects the business from one of the most painful risks — when a key employee or partner leaves and builds a competing business using your clients, technology and connections. Without this document, prohibiting such behaviour is legally impossible.
What happens without a non-compete agreement
- Former employee builds a competing business using your clients
- Partner exits the deal and replicates the business model
- Senior manager joins a competitor with full knowledge of your business
- Impossible to recover damages without a documented prohibition
- Former partner poaches your clients and employees
What's included
| 1. Definition of prohibited activity | Precise list of what constitutes competition |
| 2. Geographic scope | Territory where the prohibition applies |
| 3. Term | Period after termination of the relationship |
| 4. Non-solicitation clause | Prohibition on poaching clients and employees |
| 5. Compensation | Remuneration for accepting restrictions — makes the document enforceable |
| 6. Liability for breach | Penalties and recovery procedure |
Who it's for
| Who | How they use it |
|---|---|
| Employers hiring senior managers | Protection of client base and know-how |
| Partners entering a joint business | Protection in case of partner exit |
| Investors in business sale transactions | Protection from competition by the seller |
| Franchisors | Prohibition on opening a similar business |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a non-compete agreement?
A non-compete agreement restricts a party from engaging in competing activities for a specified period after the relationship ends. It's typically limited by geography and duration.
Is a non-compete enforceable in Uzbekistan?
While there's no specific non-compete law in Uzbekistan, such agreements can be concluded under the freedom of contract principle in the Civil Code. Restrictions must be reasonable and proportionate.
What is the maximum non-compete duration?
There's no statutory limit, but courts may invalidate excessively long restrictions. The recommended period is 6 months to 2 years after the relationship ends.