In Electronic Support Systems. Inc. v. Schattke, 70 Ill. App. 3d 469, 388 N.E.2d 787, 26 Ill. Dec. 786 (1979), the employer sought preliminary injunctive relief to enforce the restrictive covenant in an employment contract. Electronic Systems, 70 Ill. App. 3d at 469-70. On November 9, 1976, the parties entered into an employment contract, which contained a restrictive covenant not to compete for 18 months after termination of employment. Electronic Systems, 70 Ill. App. 3d at 470. On December 10, 1976, defendant's employment was terminated, and the 18-month restriction began that day. Electronic Systems, 70 Ill. App. 3d at 470. Defendant subsequently engaged in conduct that violated the restrictive covenant during the 18-month restriction period. Electronic Systems, 70 Ill. App. 3d at 470. Plaintiff filed its complaint on August 29, 1978, more than 20 months after defendant's employment terminated, contending that defendant violated the noncompetition agreement within the 18 months following his termination, and seeking injunctive relief. Electronic Systems, 70 Ill. App. 3d at 470. As part of its evidence, plaintiff introduced a letter written to defendant in January 1978, advising him of his violation of the restrictive covenant. Electronic Systems, 70 Ill. App. 3d at 470. The court declined to extend the effect of the contract period, even though defendant allegedly breached his covenant not to compete within the 18-month period restriction period. Electronic Systems, 70 Ill. App. 3d at 471. In so holding, the court noted that in certain instances, injunctive relief might be appropriate even after the expiration of the contractual period, but found that, under the circumstances presented, the grant of a preliminary injunction after the expiration of the restrictive covenant would have been an unreasonable restriction of trade. Electronic Systems, 70 Ill. App. 3d at 471.