So this thread caused me to deep dive into California law, as I work on software projects at home and for a living.
From things I have read, yes, this exception is that broad. BUT then I did some more reading and happened upon this article which seems to say otherwise? https://www.natlawreview.com/article/employment-law-and-pate...
The key thing being California Business and Professions Code § 16600 which seems to be on the side of the employees. Can anyone more familiar with this stuff confirm my understanding?