So if someone signs a non-compete in Washington, it's practically null and void if they go move to California for a job in California? What if they move back 3 years later to Washington and the non-compete was for 1 year?
Contracts generally have a clause that indicates which state's laws they follow. If you go to work for Microsoft, your non-compete will say that the contract is enforceable under the laws of the state of Washington. You can't escape it by vacationing in California or even by taking a job there.
If you have a non-compete with Microsoft, and the terms of the non-compete say Washington law is to be used, and you take a job in California, and Microsoft sues inCalifornia, California's strong policy against non-competes will apply. Those parts of the Microsoft contract will be treated as void by the California court. Whatever remains will be interpreted using Washington law as construed by the California court.
