Webb Publishing Company, Respondent, v. Neal T. Fosshage, Appellant, 426 N.W.2d 445

Summary

The former employer terminated the former employee, and it brought suit for damages and an injunction to enforce a noncompetition agreement signed by the former employee. After leaving his employment, the former employee solicited business from the former employer's clients. A temporary restraining order was issued by the district court, and after a hearing a temporary injunction was ordered. The court affirmed in part. The factors used to grant an injunction focused on the balance of harm, the likelihood of success on the merits, and Minn. R. Civ. P. 65.01. The court found the evidence supported the inference of irreparable harm to the former employer. The former employee intended to be bound by agreement, and he accepted pay increases. Furthermore, the court found that termination of the former employee would not preclude the agreement. The court also found the agreement protected a legitimate interest of the former employer and was reasonable given its business. However, the case ...