There are three types of NDAs: unilateral, bilateral, and multilateral. Read on to learn when you should use each type. You'll also learn how to use a contract management tool like Ironclad to draft and manage them.
Harshdeep Rapalon June 14, 2024. A Consultant Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) is a legal contract that establishes a confidential relationship between a company and a consultant. The agreement outlines the information that must remain confidential and details the obligations of both parties regarding that information.
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.
Non-disclosure agreements help employers by protecting valuable, sensitive business information. Workers may need access to such information to do their jobs, and NDAs make it clear that they can use such information for work purposes but cannot share it outside the organization.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.