The first post-Edwards case is filed, and it is a class action suit too.

On August 7, 2008, in Edwards v. Arthur Andersen LLP, No. S147190, the California Supreme Court seemingly ruled that Section 16600 of the Business and Professions Code prohibits every attempt by an employer to enforce a non-competition agreement. The court indicated that the only exceptions are those expressly set forth in the statute (agreements in connection with the sale or dissolution of a business).

The same day, a class-action complaint was filed in Contra Costa County Superior Court, Vokes, et al. v. Central Garden & Pet Co., No. C 08-01994, that could test the reach of the Edwards decision.  Plaintiffs are asking the court to invalidate a non-compete agreement signed by Vokes when he became Central Garden’s Senior VP Sales and Trade Relations and, on behalf of all all Central Gardens employees, seeking to invalidate all of Central Gardens’ non-compete agreements as violating Section 16600 and related California statutes.

To read this blog post click here