There’s one crucial topic in medical writing that rarely gets attention:
Non-compete clause in contracts and what they actually mean.
📄A non-compete clause is an agreement between yourself and your employer that sets out the activities you can and can’t do during and for a period after employment.
❌These activities are often those that directly compete with your employer
For medical writers, non-compete clauses are a necessity.
Given the highly specialised nature of our work, employers often seek to protect their intellectual property, proprietary information, and client base, making non-compete clauses a standard part of employment contracts in our field.
This might mean that your non-compete clause says you can’t freelance for a direct competitor, or work for somebody else in a similar field.
So what should you do when you get a non-compete clause?
👩🏽🏫Read it carefully, paying close attention to the scope, geographical limitations, and duration of the agreement.
🔎Make sure that the restrictions are reasonable and won’t hinder your career progression should you part ways with your employer.
🗣Negotiate certain terms as you see fit.
If you’re still unsure about the scope of a non-compete or are looking for advice on what to do in a specific situation, then we advise you to reach out to appropriate legal counsel.