WRN Ltd. v Ayris
The restrictive covenants in the employment contract were unenforceable as they were too wide, not limited to customers with whom Mr. Ayris had personal dealings; the leaving contract was not supported by consideration and thus not binding; WRN had legitimate business interests but the covenants exceeded what was reasonably necessary for protection.
- Parties
- Claimant: WRN Limited; Defendant: Timothy Mark Ayris
- Jurisdiction
- England and Wales
- Judgment Date
- 21 May 2008
- Procedural Posture
- Civil / Final Judgment
- Outcome
- Claim dismissed
- Legal Topics
- Restrictive Covenants, Restraint of Trade, Confidential Information, Consideration, Enforceability of Employment Contracts
Case Brief
Summary, issues, holding and outcome
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Parties
WRN Limited
Claimant
Timothy Mark Ayris
Defendant
Procedural Posture
Civil / Final Judgment
Legal Issues
- 1 Whether restrictive covenants in the employment contract and leaving contract are enforceable against the defendant
- 2 Whether the leaving contract was supported by consideration
- 3 Whether the defendant breached contractual obligations regarding confidential information and company property
Ratio Decidendi
The restrictive covenants in the employment contract were unenforceable as they were too wide, not limited to customers with whom Mr. Ayris had personal dealings; the leaving contract was not supported by consideration and thus not binding; WRN had legitimate business interests but the covenants exceeded what was reasonably necessary for protection.
Court Disposition
Claim dismissed
Orders
- No injunction granted
- No relief in respect of business cards or addresses
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