Noncompete clauses are unenforceable in California, but in the UK, where DeepMind is headquartered, they are enforceable if deemed reasonable. This has led some employees to consider relocating to California to escape these restrictions. The noncompetes are becoming less popular as the AI field expands with new startups and opportunities, making it difficult for employees to wait out lengthy noncompete periods without missing out on promising career moves. The situation highlights the intense competition in the AI industry, likened by some to a "space race," where being ahead by even a few months can be crucial.
Key takeaways:
- Google DeepMind uses aggressive noncompete agreements, lasting up to a year, to prevent employees from joining competitors.
- Noncompete agreements are determined by factors such as employee seniority and work focus, with six-month noncompetes common among individual contributors.
- Some DeepMind employees feel restricted by lengthy noncompetes, especially as opportunities in the AI field expand rapidly.
- Former DeepMind director Nando de Freitas publicly criticized the noncompete agreements, calling them an abuse of power.