This note considers the law concerning restraint of trade in commercial and corporate contracts. It examines the common law principles applied by the courts in determining the enforceability of such restrictions, together with the impact of the UK and EU competition rules. It considers various situations when restraints may be imposed: sale of a company or business, partnership arrangements, joint venture agreements, agency and distribution agreements, exclusive supply agreements, exclusive purchasing agreements, franchise agreements, patent and know-how licence agreements, media and entertainment contracts, sports contracts, publishing agreements, film and TV contracts and agreements relating to land.