Non-Disclosure Agreement (Mutual)

This Non-Disclosure Agreement binds both parties in a transaction or venture to not disclose each other's confidential information. It is normally signed alongside other documents key to that transaction or venture, and included as an attachment to those documents. It is drafted to allow both parties to participate in the transaction or venture by sharing sensitive information to the extent required.

This NDA is a binding legal contract. Therefore, when a breach or violation occurs by way of an unauthorized disclosure, you are able to claim rights in dispute against the violating or disclosing party. These rights are outlined in the provisions of this agreement - some resolutions can include;

• an injunction;
• damage for loss; and
• court orders.

This NDA uses broad definitions of the categories of confidential information that are being protected. Parties may wish to add specific details to these definitions as needed

In situations where it will be exclusively, or predominantly, one party sharing sensitive information with the other, parties should instead consider using a one-way Non-Disclosure Agreement.

Use this Non-Disclosure Agreement (Mutual) if:

• You would like to disclose confidential information in a negotiation and want it not be in the public domain (ie. competitors, successors);

• You would like to put restrictions on the use of confidential information;

• You would like to maintain secrecy of information when working with contractors or potential investors;

• You would access confidential information that belongs to someone else; and

• You would like to protect confidential information including intellectual property, financial projections, customer lists and trade secrets.

What does the Non-Disclosure Agreement (Mutual) cover?

• A description of the confidential information;

• Confidential rights and obligations of the parties;

• Protection of sensitive information;

• Return of confidential information at the end of the agreement;

• Obligations regarding proper use of the information; and

• Circumstances where disclosure is permitted.

Other names for Non-Disclosure Agreement include:

• NDA

• Confidentiality Agreement

• Confidential Disclosure Agreement (CDA)

• Proprietary Information Agreement (PIA)

• Secrecy Agreement (SA)

• Confidentiality Contract

• Gag Order