What is the difference between a non-compete and a non-disclosure agreement?

Non-compete agreements and non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) are both important legal documents that employers in Washington use to protect their businesses. However, the two documents serve different purposes. A non-compete agreement is designed to prevent a former employee from competing with their former employer. This type of agreement generally includes restrictions on where the former employee can work and what type of work they can do for a period of time after leaving their place of employment. Non-competes are typically used to protect employers’ trade secrets and other proprietary information. On the other hand, a non-disclosure agreement is used to protect confidential information that an employer doesn’t want to be made public. This type of agreement includes a clause that requires an employee not to disclose any information that is considered confidential. Non-disclosure agreements are usually used when an employer wants to protect sensitive details, such as trade secrets or business strategies. Overall, non-compete agreements and non-disclosure agreements are two different documents used by employers to protect the integrity of their business. Non-compete agreements prevent former employees from competing with their former employers, while non-disclosure agreements protect confidential information.

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