Generally, non-competes are not enforceable in California as set forth in California Business and Professions Code section 16600 which states that, “[e]xcept as provided in this chapter, every contract by which anyone is restrained from engaging in a lawful profession, trade, or business of any kind is to that extent void.” There are some limited exceptions to this rule. One of those exceptions is when an owner of a business sells the company’s goodwill or interests.