Google is reportedly paying some AI researchers to take extended time off rather than risk them joining rival firms in an unusual move highlighting the fierce battle for top artificial intelligence talent.

According to a report by Business Insider, Google’s AI subsidiary DeepMind is enforcing strict noncompete agreements in the U.K. that prevent certain staff from working for competitors for up to a year.

In some cases, affected employees are still being paid during this time — effectively granting them a prolonged, mandatory paid leave.

While these agreements are meant to prevent knowledge and expertise from transferring to competitors such as OpenAI and Microsoft, insiders say the practice leaves some researchers feeling sidelined from the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission banned most noncompete clauses last year, but the rule does not apply to DeepMind’s London headquarters, where these contracts are still in use.

Microsoft’s Vice President of AI recently posted on X (formerly Twitter) that DeepMind employees have contacted him “in despair,” seeking ways to break free of their noncompetes and rejoin the fast-moving AI field.

Google declined to comment but told Business Insider that it applies noncompete agreements “selectively.”