Which type of clause is often included to protect business interests in a partnership agreement?

Including restraints on ex-partners in a partnership agreement is a common strategy to protect business interests, especially in competitive environments. These clauses usually stipulate certain restrictions on a partner’s ability to engage in similar business activities after leaving the partnership, such as a non-compete clause or a non-solicitation clause. This helps to ensure that valuable business secrets, client relationships, and proprietary practices are safeguarded from former partners who may enter into direct competition or attempt to poach clients and employees.

By implementing such restraints, partnerships can maintain their competitive edge and protect their investment in relationships and business practices that have been cultivated over time. This is crucial in sectors where relationships and knowledge are key to success, making it essential for partners to agree on the limitations of their former partners' future activities.

In contrast, the other options—performance reviews, employee salary structures, and intellectual property ownership—do not specifically address the potential issues arising from a partner leaving the business, hence they do not serve the same protective function as restraints on ex-partners.