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.
Unreasonable scope of the agreement Setting an unrealistic duration or harsh restrictive terms, like an NDA that lasts a lifetime, can invalidate the agreement. Similarly, having an overly broad agreement that covers information that is not confidential can result in legal complications.
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.
In a unilateral NDA, one party agrees not to reveal confidential information. In a mutual NDA, both sides agree that they will not share confidential information. In all other aspects, these two types of confidentiality agreements are identical, especially when it comes to enforcement and the consequences of a breach.
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.
A lawyer can help you determine if your NDA can be challenged. Determine if your content is “public domain.” If the content your NDA covers is now known by the public, you may be able to make a case to nullify your NDA from any specific issuer.
In California, it is possible to enforce a liquidated damages clause. The amount agreed to at the time that you and the other party sign the contract must be a reasonable estimate of losses that may be suffered should they fail to perform.
Special Damages: If a breach results in specific, quantifiable losses, like lost contracts or a dip in stock value, the affected party may be able to recover these specific damages. This requires clear evidence of the connection between the breach and the financial harm.
Direct damages, on the other hand, are those damages that are a direct and immediate loss caused by a breach and compensate for that loss. Examples of direct damages include costs to repair faulty work or additional work, as well as resulting general conditions expenses and project delay costs.
Can you go to jail for breaking an NDA? Breaking an NDA usually doesn't result in jail time — as NDAs are civil contracts, not criminal agreements. Typically, the consequence is a breach of contract lawsuit, where the harmed party may seek financial compensation if the court rules in their favor.