1 Background
Prior to 2016 non-competition, non-solicitation and non-recruitment arrangement was (as a general rule), subject to the “freedom of contract” principle. There were a few limitations to this principle, eg the Agency Act article 34 which limited an agreement restricting the business activities of a commercial agent following termination of the agency contract to a period of maximum 2 years (in accordance with the Agency Directive art 20).
In addition the Act of conclusions of agreements art 38 had a general provision enabling the courts to police all non-compete clauses.
As of January 1st 2016 new regulations in the WEA has restricted the validity of such clauses in agreements between an employer and the employee. In addition non-recruitment clauses entered into between entities have been prohibited. Art. 38 in the Act of conclusions of agreements is now limited to contracts outside the employee/employer relationship.
The restrictions (and possible costs) to enforce such clauses towards its employees may indirectly influence a contracting party`s possibility to enter into and honor restrictive covenants.
2 The new restrictions
2.1 Non-competition clauses
Non-competition clauses must be agreed in writing and may not exceed a maximum duration of 12 months after the termination of the employment. The employee will be entitled to consideration equal to the remuneration received in the last 12 months before the employment was terminated during the period the non-competition clause is invoked (capped at approximately NOK 1.6 million).
It is a requirement for validity that the employer has a particular need for protection at the time of enforcement of the non-competition clause. Consequently, enforcement of the non-competition clause will depend on an overall assessment of the employer’s need for protection at the given time.
Non-competition clauses cannot be enforced if the termination is based on circumstances related to the employer (e.g. redundancies), or the employee gives notice of termination based on the employer’s misconduct.
2.2 Non-solicitation clauses
Non-solicitation clauses are provisions that prevent the employee from soliciting the employer’s customers after termination of the employment.
Non-solicitation clauses are regulated along the same lines as non-competition clauses. Such clauses must be agreed in writing and can only apply for a period of 12 months after termination of the employment. Furthermore, non-solicitation clauses are only enforceable towards customers which the employee has been responsible for or has had contact with during the last 12 months of employment. There is no requirement for consideration for non-solicitation clauses.
The employee is however entitled to a written statement from the employer concerning to what extent – and for which customers – the non-solicitation clause will be enforced. Non-solicitation clauses that do not meet the legal requirements will be void.
2.3 Exemptions for the chief executive of the company – but not for “key personnel”.
The chief executive may waive the right to protection in exchange for severance pay. Such agreement must be explicit and entered into before the employment is terminated. The opportunity to waive protection in exchange for severance pay is only relevant in respect of the chief executive of the company. Other members of the management or key employees cannot waive their protection.
2.4 Non-recruitment clauses
Non-recruitment clauses entered into between entities are prohibited. Non-recruitment clauses entered into between the employer and an employee will not be subject to regulation.
Exceptions will be made for non-recruitment clauses between entities that are entered into in connection with a transfer of business. Other situation (eg. a distributor that enters into a cooperation where its employees are exposed to offers or solicitation from its contractual partner) are not covered.
Non-recruitment clauses between entities that are entered into in connection with a transfer of business can however be agreed for a maximum of six months after the transfer has taken place.
3 Transitional provisions
The new provisions are a radical change to today’s regulation of restrictive covenants in employment relationships, and it is expected that many of the existing agreements will not meet the new requirements. Therefore, a transitional period of 12 months (that is until the end of 2016) has been enacted. Within this period existing restrictive covenants must be renegotiated in accordance with the new rules to remain valid.
4 Consequence for principals and franchisors
Often the principals/franchisors need for protection is connected to one or more physical person. And often restrictive covenants are based on an assumption that the entity is to ensure compliance by its employees.
In other instances agents/franchisors “incorporates” their business – based on concerns related to tax and/or limitation of liability.
Up to 2016 the restrictive covenants needed could be achieved in such situations through simple contractual arrangements. Those arrangements may now be illegal or may need to be amended in order to comply with the new rules.
Carl Christiansen, IDI agency & distribution country expert for Norway
