they don't, because stuff like this does not exist. Unless you are outright stealing like that convicted uber/google guy, or building a direct competitor, nobody cares what you do, at least in the location of the TFA.

They do exist, as I said above, I’ve signed one. Derp.

I’ve heard examples of it happening, but can not point to any. I know my cousin was sued for changing employers, they tried to block her taking a job at a competitor(broad use of the term, but I guess fang’s think everyone is a competitor), but lost in Delaware court. So I do know they will attempt to enforce these contracts if they want to.

Many top companies do have these clauses, I’ve signed them and seen others. How enforceable they are, I’m not sure, but billionaires with armies of bored lawyers, don’t make for great opponents in legal battles.

The US federal government is going to ban anti-compete clauses, which is great news: https://www.fullstackeconomics.com/p/banning-noncompete-agre...

I think you mean to say, some parties in government have discussed the idea. It’s not set in stone that it will happen.

A noncompete (itself a dicy legal/moral proposition) is very different than a claim on arbitrary work/invention for the duration of employment.

I did find this thread interesting and informative about the matter, tho it is a little dated.

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=2208056