Agreement in restraint of trade is a legal term referring to an agreement between two parties that restricts or hinders competition. It is a common provision in business contracts and is typically used to protect the interests of individuals or companies within a specific industry.

Such agreements are generally viewed as anti-competitive and may be deemed illegal if they are found to unfairly limit trade and competition. The types of agreements that fall under the category of restraint of trade include non-compete agreements, non-disclosure agreements, and non-solicitation agreements.

Non-compete agreements prevent an employee from working for a competitor for a certain period of time after leaving a company. Non-disclosure agreements prevent an employee from disclosing confidential information about a company to outsiders, while non-solicitation agreements prevent an employee from enticing clients or other employees away from their former employer.

In general, agreements in restraint of trade are scrutinized by courts and regulatory bodies to ensure they do not unfairly restrict competition. Courts may consider a variety of factors, such as the nature of the industry, the duration and scope of the restraint, and whether the agreement is necessary to protect a legitimate business interest.

The aim of agreements in restraint of trade is to protect businesses from unfair competition by restricting former employees or partners from sharing trade secrets, confidential information, and intellectual property. However, such agreements often limit career and business opportunities for individuals, particularly at the executive and managerial levels. It is for this reason that many states, including California, have limited or banned non-compete clauses.

In conclusion, agreement in restraint of trade is a legal term that refers to agreements that restrict or hinder competition. While these agreements can be used to protect legitimate business interests, they may be deemed illegal if found to be anti-competitive or unfairly limit competition. Courts and regulatory bodies closely scrutinize such agreements to ensure they are reasonable, necessary, and do not unduly harm competition.