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VIDEO: Courts Strike Down Non-Compete Ban

Trent Cotney explains how a recent court ruling will impact the roofing and construction industries

The Federal Trade Commission’s proposed ban on non-compete agreements was set to take effect Sept. 4, however, a Texas district court stepped in and struck it down as unconstitutional. The implications of the case are now nationwide, as the judge also asserted the federal agency overstepped its authority.

Roofing Contractor presents The Best of Success Podcast Show

Courts Strike Down Non-Compete Ban

In this episode, Legal Insights expert Trent Cotney, partner at Adams and Reese, explains how a recent court ruling will impact the roofing and construction industries when it comes to non-competes.

The FTC has until Oct. 19 to appeal the ruling. Roofing contractors should be aware and are asking questions about the impact.

“The ban no longer exists. It’s business as usual, whatever non-competes you have, the state law will apply,” Cotney said in this exclusive conversation with RC Group Publisher Jill Bloom. “If you’re an employer, it’s great news.”

Cotney also discussed another development involving the FTC’s final rule on fake reviews.

“Businesses everywhere today depend on reviews. People look at them to determine a company’s reputation,” Cotney said.

The ruling essentially prohibits:

Purchasing fake reviews
Self-reviews without disclosure
Social media falsehoods
Threaten or suppressing negative reviews.

Check out the video interview here or visit our podcast page to download the episode and listen on the go.

KEYWORDS: Adams & Reese legal issues in AEC

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Art Aisner is Editor-in-Chief of Roofing Contractor and Roofing Supply Pro. He spent the bulk of his career as a multi-media journalist for newspapers and television stations before joining the RC team in 2015. He is the driving force behind the publication’s content development, editorial strategy and other initiatives that serve growing audiences in the roofing space.

Trent Cotney is a Partner with Adams & Reese and a Florida Bar Board Certified Construction Lawyer, licensed to practice in multiple states across the U.S. and in Canada. With nearly 25 years of experience, Trent has dedicated his career to serving the construction and roofing industries. He is a zealous advocate for the international commercial roofing sector and serves as general counsel for over 10 prominent trade associations and organizations, including the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), Florida Roofing & Sheet Metal Contractors Association (FRSA), National Slate Association, Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3), and Western States Roofing Contractors Association (WSRCA). Trent’s commitment to the industry extends beyond legal counsel; he is an active participant in education, advocacy, and innovation, working tirelessly to address the challenges contractors face and advance the industry as a whole. Known for his deep understanding of construction law and unwavering dedication, Trent Cotney remains a trusted advisor and leader in the roofing community.