Smith, Bell & Hauck, Inc. v. Cullins

The plaintiff corporation purchased an insurance agency which was owned and operated by the defendant Cullins’ former employer. By this action in equity it seeks to enforce the employee’s covenant that he would not engage in the insurance business in the county of Chittenden for a period of three years after the termination of his employment. Equitable relief was denied and .the plaintiff appeals.

The essential facts determined by the chancellor are not in serious dispute. During the latter part of 1949, the defendant Philip G. Cullins became employed by the corporate insurance firm of Smith,…