Littler Global Guide - Norway - Q1 2017

Browse through brief employment and labor law updates from around the globe. Contact a Littler attorney for more information or view our global locations.

View all Q1 2017 Global Guide Quarterly updates

New Statutes on Restrictive Covenants Become Effective January 1, 2017, for Contracts Existing Before January 1, 2016

Enacted Legislation

Author: Ole Kristian Olsby, Partner — Homble Olsby advokatfirma AS

New statutes on restrictive covenants, Chapter 14A in the Working Environment Act, came into effect January 1, 2016, with a one year delay on restrictions entered into before 1 January 2016. As of January 1, 2017 the law also applies to existing contracts. In addition to material conditions, the employers must comply with procedural conditions to invoke non-competition clauses and non-solicitation of customers clauses. The employers must send a written statement to the employee within four weeks after a resignation or after the notification of the termination. The statement must inform the employee of a decision to invoke the restriction (or not), and describe the special need the employer has to invoke the non-compete restrictions.

Information contained in this publication is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or opinion, nor is it a substitute for the professional judgment of an attorney.