Problem With Nondisclosure Agreement In New York
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An NDA could be unenforceable if it is too broad, is not for a defined time period, covers information that is not confidential, or asks for illegal conduct.
To get out of an NDA, you have to be sure that it is legally binding. For example, you cannot be liable for an NDA that covers up illegal activity by the issuer. A lawyer can help you assess your risks and determine how you should move forward.
In New York, the confidentiality obligations are finite. Open-ended NDAs are generally not enforceable in New York. Your agreement should provide a specific time period the obligation lasts, such as during the course of employment or a short period thereafter.
The amendments expanded restrictions on the use of nondisclosure provisions (“NDAs”) in certain workplace settlement agreements. These amendments, which took effect on November 17, 2023, apply to all agreements entered into after that date.
NDAs are enforceable when they are signed — if they are properly drafted and executed. NDAs are enforceable once signed, provided they have been drafted and executed properly. Unilateral NDAs need only the signature of the receiving party, whereas mutual non-disclosure agreements need the signatures of both parties.
Most NDAs define a specific duration for keeping information confidential, often a set number of years. Agreements with indefinite terms typically specify when protections cease. NDAs usually last between one and five years, but this can vary based on the transaction or market conditions.
Nearly 20 states have passed laws restricting their use in dealing with sexual misconduct in the workplace, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington.
A plaintiff can also frequently pursue an injunction as a remedy for breach of an NDA. An injunction is a court order prohibiting the defendant from further disclosing or using the proprietary information or trade secret that was the subject of the NDA.