Montana law

Business Laws in Montana.

Montana has adopted the Montana Business Corporation Act and the Montana Revised Limited Liability Company Act. LLCs are the dominant entity. Montana has adopted the UCC. Montana permits noncompete agreements only with strict limits on scope and duration — Mont. Code Ann. § 28-2-703 generally restrains contracts that restrict trade, with narrow exceptions in § 28-2-704 (sale of goodwill) and § 28-2-705 (partnership dissolution). Employee noncompetes face heightened scrutiny. The Montana Secretary of State administers business filings.

Last verified: 2026-04-17

State law

Key Montana Statutes

Montana Business Corporation ActMont. Code Ann. Title 35, Chapter 14

Governs formation, governance, mergers, dissolutions, and shareholder rights of Montana for-profit corporations. Modeled on the Model Business Corporation Act.

Montana Revised Limited Liability Company ActMont. Code Ann. Title 35, Chapter 8

Governs formation, operating agreements, management, and dissolution of LLCs.

Restraints on Trade — Narrow EnforceabilityMont. Code Ann. §§ 28-2-703, 28-2-704, 28-2-705

General restraints on lawful profession, trade, or business are void. Narrow exceptions exist for: (1) sale of goodwill of a business; (2) partnership dissolution restrictions; and (3) member-withdrawal from an LLC. Pure employee noncompetes face heightened scrutiny.

Montana Uniform Trade Secrets ActMont. Code Ann. § 30-14-401 et seq.

Provides civil remedies for misappropriation of trade secrets including injunctive relief, damages, and exemplary damages up to 2x for willful misappropriation.

Montana UCCMont. Code Ann. Title 30

Montana's adoption of the UCC governing sales of goods, leases, negotiable instruments, secured transactions, and related commercial matters.

State law

Official Sources

Montana Secretary of State — Business Services Montana State Legislature

Not Legal Advice

This page summarizes publicly available statutes and rules for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created by viewing this content. Laws change — always verify with the primary source or consult a licensed attorney in Montana.

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Business Laws in Montana.

Key Montana Statutes

Official Sources

Not Legal Advice

Move from state law into guided help or attorney search.

Other state law topics.