{"code":"BPC","codeName":"Business and Professions Code","section":"16600.5","citation":"Bus. & Prof. Code, § 16600.5","status":"in-force","lawOn":"2026-09-28","headings":[{"name":"DIVISION 7. GENERAL BUSINESS REGULATIONS [16000. - 18107.]","url":"https://blackletter.si/business-and-professions-code/division-7"},{"name":"PART 2. PRESERVATION AND REGULATION OF COMPETITION [16600. - 17365.]","url":"https://blackletter.si/business-and-professions-code/division-7/part-2"},{"name":"CHAPTER 1. Contracts in Restraint of Trade [16600. - 16608.]","url":"https://blackletter.si/business-and-professions-code/division-7/part-2/chapter-1"}],"history":"Added by Stats. 2023, Ch. 157, Sec. 2.   (SB 699)   Effective January 1, 2024.","effective":"2024-01-01","html":"<p>(a) Any contract that is void under this chapter is unenforceable regardless of where and when the contract was signed.</p><p>(b) An employer or former employer shall not attempt to enforce a contract that is void under this chapter regardless of whether the contract was signed and the employment was maintained outside of California.</p><p>(c) An employer shall not enter into a contract with an employee or prospective employee that includes a provision that is void under this chapter.</p><p>(d) An employer that enters into a contract that is void under this chapter or attempts to enforce a contract that is void under this chapter commits a civil violation.</p><p>(e) (1) An employee, former employee, or prospective employee may bring a private action to enforce this chapter for injunctive relief or the recovery of actual damages, or both.</p><p>(2) In addition to the remedies described in paragraph (1), a prevailing employee, former employee, or prospective employee in an action based on a violation of this chapter shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorney’s fees and costs.</p>","text":"(a) Any contract that is void under this chapter is unenforceable regardless of where and when the contract was signed. (b) An employer or former employer shall not attempt to enforce a contract that is void under this chapter regardless of whether the contract was signed and the employment was maintained outside of California. (c) An employer shall not enter into a contract with an employee or prospective employee that includes a provision that is void under this chapter. (d) An employer that enters into a contract that is void under this chapter or attempts to enforce a contract that is void under this chapter commits a civil violation. (e) (1) An employee, former employee, or prospective employee may bring a private action to enforce this chapter for injunctive relief or the recovery of actual damages, or both. (2) In addition to the remedies described in paragraph (1), a prevailing employee, former employee, or prospective employee in an action based on a violation of this chapter shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorney’s fees and costs.","otherVersions":[],"url":"https://blackletter.si/business-and-professions-code/contracts-in-restraint-of-trade-16600-5","source":"California Legislative Information bulk export (pubinfo)"}