Explain the Context: Start by explaining why you need the NDA. Be clear about the sensitive information involved and why it's important to keep it confidential. Be Honest and Transparent: Share your reasons for needing an NDA. Emphasize that it's not about distrust but about protecting both parties' interests.
Say this: "In the interest of maintaining good governance with future investors, we're asking that anyone closely involved with this project at this early stage sign an NDA."
In a mutual NDA, by contrast, both parties agree not to reveal each other's confidential information. While the unilateral NDA is a one-way street, an MNDA creates a confidential relationship where information is protected by both parties.
Whenever you believe you are going to enter a situation that will involve you disclosing proprietary information such as trade secrets, business strategy or yet-to-be-implemented ideas, you will want to have the receiving party sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA). Do this BEFORE any disclosure occurs.
Five other key features must be included in your NDA to ensure it's legally binding, including a description of confidential information, obligations of the parties involved, any exclusions, the term of the agreement and consequences of a breach.
To create a Non-Disclosure Agreement, include the following information: The parties' names and contact information. The length of the non-disclosure period. The scope and definition of the confidential information. The obligations of the Non-Disclosure Agreement. The ownership and return information.
All NDAs should include these specific elements: Identification of Parties: Also known as “parties to the agreement”, the purpose of this section is to identify the people and/or entities involved in the non-disclosure contract. It explains who the disclosing party and recipient of are, using names and addresses.
You do not need a lawyer to create and sign a non-disclosure agreement. However, if the information you are trying to protect is important enough to warrant an NDA, you may want to have the document reviewed by someone with legal expertise.
Both parties must enter into the NDA voluntarily and with a clear understanding of its terms. If there was coercion or deception involved, the agreement may not be valid.