Litigation over restrictive covenant agreements, including non-competes, is on the rise. Because such agreements are viewed as restraints on trade, theyare generally disfavored by Illinois courts. In a recent decision, an Illinois appellate court followed suit, striking down as overbroad and unreasonablethe non-compete, non-solicit and confidentiality provisions in an employment agreement.

Because of changes to the law enacted last year, all existing Exemption Certificates for Enterprise Zones, High-Impact Businesses and River Edge Redevelopment Zones expire June 30, 2013, even if the certificate itself identifies a later expiration date.