Texas Restrictive Covenant Dispute Attorneys

Strategic Advocacy for Restrictive Covenant Litigation

Facing a restrictive covenant dispute can create serious professional and financial stress. At Hopkins Centrich Attorneys at Law, we understand that these situations can have long-term impacts on your livelihood, reputation, and future opportunities. Whether you are an employer trying to protect your business interests or an individual navigating post-employment restrictions, seeking legal guidance is paramount to understanding your rights and pursuing a fair outcome.

Our restrictive covenant dispute lawyers provide strategic guidance to help Texans navigate complex covenant disputes. We have decades of experience handling thousands of cases across a broad range of industries. When you choose our firm, you can expect client-focused representation, clear advice, and collaborative support tailored to your legal needs. Our goal is to help you move forward with confidence while protecting your professional interests at every step. 

If you are involved in or anticipating a restrictive covenant dispute, our firm can provide clarity and direction. Contact us online to discuss your case.

What Is a Restrictive Covenant Dispute?

In business law, restrictive covenants refer to contractual clauses that restrict a party's ability to engage in certain business activities for a period of time after the termination of the contract. A restrictive covenant dispute arises when there is a disagreement over a contract that limits a person’s ability to compete, solicit clients or employees, or use confidential information. These disputes typically involve enforcing, defending, or challenging the fairness and enforceability of the agreement under state law.

Common Restrictive Covenant Disputes We Handle

We represent clients in a wide range of restrictive covenant disputes. Below are some common cases we handle:

• Non-compete agreement disputes. We challenge or defend covenants that may be overly broad in scope, geographic reach, or duration.
• Non-solicitation disputes. We handle claims involving alleged solicitation of customers, clients, or employees in violation of a contract.
• Confidentiality and trade secret disputes. We address disputes over the unauthorized use or disclosure of proprietary business information.
• Enforcement after termination. We assist clients when restrictive covenants are enforced after employment ends, including termination without cause.
• Defense against enforcement. We help individuals and businesses seek to invalidate or narrow overly broad covenants under state law.
• Non-circumvention agreement disputes. We handle claims involving alleged efforts to bypass contractual channels to reach customers or opportunities.
• Business-to-business disputes. We manage covenant conflicts arising from partnerships, sale-of-business agreements, or independent contractor arrangements.
• Exclusivity agreement disputes. We represent parties in disputes involving agreements that restrict distributors or retailers from promoting or selling competing products.
• Non-dealing agreement disputes. We represent clients in disputes involving restrictions that limit contractors or franchisees from conducting business with certain partners or suppliers.

Common Legal Issues in Restrictive Covenants

Overly Broad Scope

A restrictive covenant may be challenged if it limits more activities, clients, or geographic areas than necessary to protect legitimate business interests. We can assess whether the covenant’s scope is enforceable and take steps to protect your rights or limit overly broad restrictions.

Excessive Duration

Covenants that last for an unreasonably long time can be difficult to enforce. Texas courts generally favor shorter, reasonable time limits that protect a business without unfairly limiting an individual’s ability to work. We evaluate whether the duration aligns with state law and the specific business interests involved. 

Lack of Consideration

For a restrictive covenant to be valid, there must be adequate consideration, meaning the employee receives something of value in exchange for agreeing to the restrictions. We can assess whether proper consideration exists and clarify the covenant’s enforceability.

Termination without Cause

Restrictive covenants cannot be enforced against an employee who was terminated without cause unless the covenant explicitly provides otherwise. Courts closely examine the circumstances of termination when determining enforceability. We can analyze the facts of your case and advise you on your rights and obligations.