Who usually enters into employment contracts and what provision is commonly included regarding possible restraint of trade? Explain the purpose of such provisions.

Salespeople, management personnel, and other employees frequently are required to sign employment contracts prohibiting them from competing with their employers during their time of employment and for some additional stated period after termination. The purpose of the restraint is to protect a property interest of the promisee. Employment contracts are also frequently signed among corporations and partnerships involving professionals, such as accountants, lawyers, investment brokers, stockbrokers, or doctors. These groups of people may enter into restraint of trade contracts to prevent fellow professionals from selling their practices and then setting up a similar practice nearby and taking clients or patients that they had essentially agreed to refrain from treating or working with after selling their business.