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.
Not all NDAs are enforceable ing to California law. If the employment contract requires any party to commit an illegal act, the contract will be considered unenforceable.
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.
In California, non-disclosure agreements are governed by state law and must comply with certain requirements to be enforceable. California law generally disfavors NDAs that restrict an individual's right to work, and there are specific rules regarding the enforceability of NDAs in the employment context.
New Law bans companies from requiring their employees to sign Non-Disclosure Agreements that would prohibit them from speaking about any harassment towards a protected class. On October 7th, 2021, Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 331 into law, to be enforced beginning January 1st, 2022.
NDAs should have a clear description of the purpose, parties, and duration they cover. Specifying time limits or periods that your employees are subject to confidentiality is particularly important to ensure your NDA is enforceable in California. The typical time period is one to five years.
Besides naming all parties to the NDA, five essential elements every NDA should include are: Description Of The Confidential Information. Requirements And Obligations Of The Parties. Exclusions To The Confidentiality Agreement. Term Of The Non-Disclosure Agreement. Consequences Of Breach Of The NDA.
The key elements of Non-Disclosure Agreements: Identification of the parties. Definition of what is deemed to be confidential. The scope of the confidentiality obligation by the receiving party. The exclusions from confidential treatment. The term of the agreement.
Typically, a legal professional writing the NDA will complete these steps: Step 1 - Describe the scope. Which information is considered confidential? ... Step 2 - Detail party obligations. Step 3 - Note potential exclusions. Step 4 - Set the term. Step 5 - Spell out consequences.