Ohio non-competes survived the FTC's nationwide ban — and courts are still enforcing them. A 2026 federal decision blocked a former executive from joining a rival. A licensed Ohio attorney drafts restrictive covenants that survive the reasonableness test and defends your business in Franklin County.
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Ohio's employment law landscape remains governed by state courts after the FTC's non-compete ban was abandoned in 2025. That means Ohio's reasonableness test — not a federal rule — determines whether your non-compete is enforceable. A licensed Ohio attorney ensures your agreements pass that test. If employment matters overlap with trade secret misappropriation, our Ohio IP protection service covers the underlying framework. For contract drafting, our Ohio contract drafting service handles the paperwork.
Here's what a licensed Ohio attorney handles for Columbus employers:
Ohio courts require non-competes to be reasonable in scope, time, and geography. The 2026 LeafFilter decision enforced a non-compete against a former executive — proof that well-drafted agreements still work in Ohio.
Ohio doesn't require handbooks, but they establish at-will employment and document policies. A properly drafted handbook reduces litigation risk in Franklin County.
The Ohio Uniform Trade Secrets Act (ORC §§ 1333.61–1333.69) provides injunctive relief and damages. Ohio courts require trade secrets to be identified with sufficient particularity.
Ohio employers must show by clear and convincing evidence that restrictions are no greater than necessary, don't impose undue hardship, and aren't injurious to the public.
Employment disputes in Columbus are filed in Franklin County — where the Court of Common Pleas operates a commercial docket. Your attorney will navigate the local courts.
Ohio follows the federal FLSA for minimum wage and overtime, with additional state-specific rules under Ohio Revised Code Chapter 4111. Columbus has its own minimum wage provisions. Your attorney ensures compliance at both levels.
Not sure if your non-compete is still enforceable in Ohio?
Get a Free Answer →The FTC's nationwide non-compete ban was abandoned in 2025. Ohio non-competes are governed by state law — and courts are still enforcing them.
Ohio courts require non-competes to be reasonable in duration, geographic scope, and scope of activity. The employer must show by clear and convincing evidence that the restrictions are no greater than necessary.
In Columber (2004), the Ohio Supreme Court held that continued at-will employment is sufficient consideration for a non-compete signed after the job began — even without a guarantee of employment for a set period.
Unlike some states that void overly broad non-competes entirely, Ohio law permits a court to "modify or amend" restrictive covenants to make their restrictions reasonable rather than refusing to enforce them altogether.
Common questions from Columbus employers about employment law and restrictive covenants.
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More ways a licensed Ohio attorney can support your Columbus business.
Entity selection, Articles of Organization, and Operating Agreements under Ohio law.
Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating commercial contracts and NDAs under Ohio law.
Franklin County commercial disputes, breach of contract, and partnership conflicts.
Trademarks, copyrights, and trade secret protection for Ohio businesses.
Deal structuring, due diligence, and Ohio merger moratorium compliance.
This same service is available in other cities.