Weekly Real Estate News
Compass and ERA Real Estate have sued former ERA president Alex Vidal in Delaware, alleging that his move to become president of rival brokerage franchise REMAX violated noncompetition and other employment restrictions.
The lawsuit was filed Monday, October 19, in the Delaware Court of Chancery. It seeks injunctive relief that could prevent Vidal from continuing in his new role. The exact filing time and case number were not independently established.
According to Real Estate News, which reviewed the complaint, Compass and ERA allege that Vidal signed restrictive covenant agreements in 2022, 2024 and 2025. Those agreements allegedly included a one-year noncompetition provision, a two-year nonsolicitation provision and continuing confidentiality restrictions.
The companies contend that Vidal had access to competitively sensitive information concerning franchise relationships, recruiting, integration strategy and technology while serving as ERA president. They allege that his move to a competing franchise creates a risk that the information could be used to their detriment.
Dispute follows Vidal’s move to REMAX
Vidal left ERA in August and was announced as REMAX president in early September. WRE News covered his appointment.
The Delaware action follows an earlier Texas proceeding concerning the dispute. Reporting by Inman indicates a Texas court declined to grant temporary restraining relief and pointed the parties toward Delaware as the appropriate forum.
Vidal disputes the enforceability of the noncompetition restriction. The claims remain allegations, and no finding of breach has been established in the reporting reviewed for this article.
The dispute puts executive mobility and post-employment restrictions under scrutiny at a time when large brokerages are competing for franchise relationships, leadership and technology advantages.
WRE News has not independently obtained the full Delaware complaint or current docket; any subsequent ruling could change the case’s posture.
Sources: Real Estate News, October 21; Inman, October 21.
