There are a number of different types of non-compete agreements, only some of which involve employee-employer situations.  It is quite common for contracts for the transfer of trademarks to include non-compete agreements.

B&P 16600 has been on the books for over 75 years, so that's not the reason, but it certainly has a great deal of application in such situations.

Given the value of the trademark mentioned, it seems as though the OP wants to void the transfer and acquire (or reacquire) ownership of the mark.  Unfortunately for the OP, it is a misguided proposition for several reasons, including the reason I mentioned and a couple others.