that disincentives affecting mobility, including noncompete agreements, do not negatively impact the workforce in the United States. 3. Prohibiting noncompete agreements (a) Prohibition (1) In general Except as provided in subsection (b), no person shall enter into, enforce, or threaten to enforce a noncompete agreement with any individual who performs work for the person and who in any workweek is engaged in commerce or in the production of goods for commerce (or is employed in an enterprise engaged in commerce or in the production of goods for commerce). (2) Effect of agreements Except as provided in subsection (b), a noncompete agreement described in paragraph (1) shall have no force or effect. (b) Exceptions (1) Sale of goodwill or ownership interest (A) In general Any person who sells the goodwill of a business, any owner of a business entity selling or otherwise disposing of all of his or her ownership interest in the business entity, or any owner of a business entity that sells an asset or interest as described in subparagraph (B), may enter into an agreement with the buyer to refrain from carrying on a like business within a specified geographic area described in subparagraph (C), if the buyer, or any person deriving title to the goodwill or ownership interest from the buyer, carries on a like business in such specified geographic area. (B) Asset or interest An asset or interest described in this subparagraph is— (i) all or substantially all of the operating assets and the goodwill of the business entity