Non-Solicitation
A clause preventing a departing person from poaching the company's employees or customers for a set period. Often used where a full non-compete would not hold up.
Why it matters
Non-solicitation is a narrower, more enforceable protection than a non-compete, guarding your team and customers rather than barring competition outright. It is a common, practical term in employment and founder agreements.
For example
A former employee's non-solicitation clause prevents them from poaching the team or customers for a year, even where a full non-compete would not hold.
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Related terms
Also in Starting Up
See how founders actually handle this on Co-founders, team and legal, part of the Starting Up hub.
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