This article examines the non-competition agreement as one of the types of obligations with a negative content. It investigates the scientific approaches used to determine the legal nature of a non-competition agreement, establishing that it falls under the category of obligations with a negative meaning. The non- competition agreement requires the debtor to abstain from engaging in activities similar to those of the former employer, refrain from disclosing confidential information, and avoid independently establishing a legal entity with a similar scope of activities.The article analyzes the provisions of the legislation in Western countries concerning the specificities of concluding a non-competition agreement. Specifically, the legislations of Italy, the USA, France, and Kazakhstan are considered. Based on this analysis, certain criteria are proposed for recognizing a non- competition agreement as valid. These criteria include that the agreement must be valid for the duration of the employment relationship, be executed in writing, provide for a specified remuneration, and establish clear boundaries regarding the object, period, or territory.Additionally, the article examines the legal aspect of the contract that refrains from competitive actions against a resident of Diya City. This contract is described as retaliatory and concluded in writing. The essential terms of the contract, such as the duration of the obligation, the applicable territory, an exhaustive list of competitive activities, and the material benefits received by the specialist in return for refraining from competitive actions, are defined.Furthermore, the article carries out an analysis of judicial practices regarding the violation of non- competition agreements, revealing an ambiguous nature of court decisions. As a result, this type of contract necessitates theoretical studies of its legal nature and the conditions of its application.