A non-compete clause, or covenant not to compete (CNC), is a term use in contract law under which one party (usually an employee) agrees to not pursue a similar profession or trade in competition against another party (usually the employer). As contract provisions, a CNC is bound by traditional contract requirements, including the consideration doctrine. The use of such clauses is premised on the possibility that upon his or her termination or resignation, the employee might begin working for a competitor or starting a business, and gain competitive advantage by abusing intimate knowledge of the employer's operations to release trade secrets or sensitive information such as customer/client lists, business practices, upcoming products, and marketing plans.