Perceptron, Inc. v. Sensor Adaptive Machines, Inc.

**Company Successfully Enforces Non-Compete Agreement Against Former Business Partner** This case involved a dispute between two companies, Perceptron and Sensor Adaptive Machines (SAMI), over a broken non-compete agreement. Perceptron claimed that SAMI violated their contract by competing in areas where they had agreed not to operate. SAMI fought back, arguing that Perceptron had engaged in unfair business practices and interfered with their operations. The court sided with Perceptron. A jury found that SAMI had indeed broken their non-compete agreement and ordered SAMI to pay $732,223.19 in damages. The court rejected SAMI's claims that Perceptron had violated antitrust laws or improperly interfered with their business. **What This Means for Workers:** This ruling shows that courts will enforce non-compete agreements when companies violate them, even between businesses rather than individual employees. While this case involved companies, it demonstrates that non-compete clauses are taken seriously by courts. Workers should carefully review any non-compete agreements before signing and understand that violating these agreements can lead to significant financial consequences. If you're bound by a non-compete, make sure you understand exactly what activities are prohibited.