kilpailukieltot

Kilpailukielto is a Finnish legal term referring to a covenant that restricts an employee's ability to work for a competitor or start a competing business after their employment ends. Such agreements are governed by the Finnish Employment Contracts Act. A valid kilpailukielto must be reasonable in scope, duration, and geographical reach. The employer must have a particularly weighty reason to impose such a restriction, for example, to protect significant business secrets or special trade expertise. The employee is generally entitled to compensation during the period of the kilpailukielto, unless the restriction is for a very short duration, typically no more than six months. If a kilpailukielto is found to be unreasonable, a court may modify or invalidate it. Breaching a valid kilpailukielto can lead to financial penalties for the employee, such as damages payable to the former employer. These agreements are intended to balance the employer's legitimate interests with the employee's right to work and earn a livelihood.