The FTC's national noncompete rule was blocked in 2024, and the agency explains that it is not in effect; the 2026 CFR cleanup reflects that status. The legal enforceability of individual noncompetes depends on the actual agreement and relevant state law. When recruiting a chief revenue officer from a competitor, send counsel the clause, prior employer and new role before soliciting confidential information or promising a start date. Noncompete Rule — Federal Trade Commission
Monitoring trigger: jurisdiction-specific developments and employee classification changes. Do not write: “all US noncompetes are banned.”