Abbvie Non-Compete

[anonymous]

Does Abbvie enforce their non-compete (sections in the employee agreement we signed when hired)? It’s been a good five years, but I have to get out of here.

 

[anonymous]

Does Abbvie enforce their non-compete (sections in the employee agreement we signed when hired)? It’s been a good five years, but I have to get out of here.

Are you in sales? If so, its not enforced

 

[anonymous]

Are you in sales? If so, its not enforced

I turned down an otherwise attractive offer for this very reason. Abbvie is infamous for its non-compete, but you might not know it if you live in the Abbvie bubble and didn't carefully read/research the employment agreement before you accepted the offer. Unfortunately, most people show up on their first day and just sign it along with all of the other paperwork. Then they become the proverbial frog in the pot.

Where I live it seems everyone in the industry knows of someone who tried to leave Abbvie and was sidelined for 1-2 years because of the non-compete. Word on the street is that they don't go after everyone (not even close), but are much more aggressive than most. When I asked about this, their HR told me that if/when you resign they expect to discuss the specifics of where you are going, what you will be doing, what products you will be supporting, etc.

So, most prospective employers will ask about the non-compete when they see Abbvie on your resume. If you answer honestly, some will seek written assurance from that Abbvie is releasing you from it. If you don't answer honestly and Abbvie comes after you, you will probably be fired on the spot.

Might be worth reading up on the laws in your state. In some states like California and Massachusetts, non-competes are not enforceable or need to be written in a very specific way to be legally binding. So perhaps there is an angle there. But alas, no such angle in Illinois. Good luck!

 

[anonymous]

Thanks for info, yes sales here. I’m in NC but the agreement reads that action would be taken in the state of Illinois. But Illinois just passed some heavy restrictions for employers on the enforcement of non-comepetes that take effect 01/01/2022.
It is very broad “no current or potential customers of Abbvie” “no current or potential competitors of Abbvie”…. Potential, hell, that’s everyone. And doesn’t list any specific geography other than “current customers”.
I’m going to move forward and see what happens.

 

[anonymous]

Thanks for info, yes sales here. I’m in NC but the agreement reads that action would be taken in the state of Illinois. But Illinois just passed some heavy restrictions for employers on the enforcement of non-comepetes that take effect 01/01/2022.
It is very broad “no current or potential customers of Abbvie” “no current or potential competitors of Abbvie”…. Potential, hell, that’s everyone. And doesn’t list any specific geography other than “current customers”.
I’m going to move forward and see what happens.

Exactly. If it's like it was 2 years ago, it's so broadly written that they could stop you from ever working in the pharmaceutical industry. Don't put too much faith in the Illinois law, though. It was originally designed to protect lower-wage workers, now expanded to people making less than $75K. But that won't stop Abbvie from threatening to the point where you need to hire a lawyer, unfortunately. I actually think they relish their reputation because it is an intimidation tactic, probably a relic from the paternalistic Abbott days.

Best advice is to be open and honest with any prospective future employers. Make sure they know you are jazzed by whatever opportunity they have. But also be straight about the non-compete and whether the new job falls in the easy- or difficult-to-enforce category. The fact you are asking the question suggests you are smart enough to know the difference.

 

[anonymous]

Exactly. If it's like it was 2 years ago, it's so broadly written that they could stop you from ever working in the pharmaceutical industry. Don't put too much faith in the Illinois law, though. It was originally designed to protect lower-wage workers, now expanded to people making less than $75K. But that won't stop Abbvie from threatening to the point where you need to hire a lawyer, unfortunately. I actually think they relish their reputation because it is an intimidation tactic, probably a relic from the paternalistic Abbott days.

Best advice is to be open and honest with any prospective future employers. Make sure they know you are jazzed by whatever opportunity they have. But also be straight about the non-compete and whether the new job falls in the easy- or difficult-to-enforce category. The fact you are asking the question suggests you are smart enough to know the difference.

 

[anonymous]

Thanks for info, yes sales here. I’m in NC but the agreement reads that action would be taken in the state of Illinois. But Illinois just passed some heavy restrictions for employers on the enforcement of non-comepetes that take effect 01/01/2022.
It is very broad “no current or potential customers of Abbvie” “no current or potential competitors of Abbvie”…. Potential, hell, that’s everyone. And doesn’t list any specific geography other than “current customers”.
I’m going to move forward and see what happens.

Do not worry about the non-compete if you are in sales, it is not enforced. Also I dont know anyone in sales who has been interrogated when they give their 2 week notice. Take this off your worry list and take whatever opportunity works best for you.

 

[anonymous]

If you have advancement in career, make more money, or quality of life improvement you are in good standings to take the better opportunity. Go for it and best of luck.