Non-Compete Clause · Ohio

Is a non-compete clause enforceable in Ohio in 2026?

Primary-source-cited holdings from actual court opinions — quoted verbatim and linked to the source. Informational signal only, not legal advice.

Short answerOhio is mixed on non-compete clauses — outcomes are split across the 2 rulings we track, so the exact wording is decisive.

Based on 2 verified holding(s) from court opinions and regulatory actions, here's the breakdown for non-compete clauses in Ohio:

🔔 Get alerted free when Ohio non-compete clause law changes →

Full rulings

Struck / unenforceableconfidence: medium

“the trial court concluded that the noncompetition agreement was unreasonable because it failed on both the first and second requirements of the Raimonde test; specifically, the court found that the agreement’s restriction was greater than required to protect TCHCVA and that it posed an undue hardship on Castillo-Sang.”

Covenant language at issue“* * * During Physician’s employment under this Agreement and for a period of twelve (12) months following the termination of such employment (the “Restricted Period”), Physician shall not, within Hamilton County and all contiguous counties (the “Restricted Area”) personally or through any agent or f…”

View the source opinion ↗ 2020 Ohio 6865

Enforcedconfidence: medium

“On January 8, 2001, the trial court entered a judgment holding that the covenant in the 1958 deed obligates defendants to pay up to one quarter of the cost of maintaining the portion of Squires Ridge Road between Riverside Drive and the northeast corner of defendants' property, and ordering defendants to pay plaintiffs $627.”

Covenant language at issue“Grantees for themselves and their heirs and assigns agree to help maintain that portion of the private driveway which adjoins the southerly side of the above described parcel, from Riverside Drive to the Northeast corner of said parcel; said portion of maintenance not to exceed one-fourth (1/4) ther…”

CourtListener #3723493

Disclaimer: This is an automated, informational early-warning signal derived from primary sources. It is NOT legal advice and creates no attorney-client relationship. Enforceability is fact- and jurisdiction-specific and changes over time; consult a licensed attorney before acting.
Similar coverage Arizona California Delaware Florida Georgia Iowa

Get alerted when Ohio law changes a clause like yours

A new Ohio ruling can flip enforceability overnight. Join the early list — we'll tell you the moment a court moves the risk on a non-compete clause in Ohio.

← Check your own non-compete clause free