How to Write a Standard NDA

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Create a standard non-disclosure agreement, or NDA, to protect your confidential business information from disclosure to outside persons or entities. Make sure your NDA complies with your state laws.
Step 1: Decide if your information requires an NDA
Decide if your information requires an NDA. For example, does your trade secret give you a competitive advantage in the marketplace? If not, you may not need a legal document. If it does, however, you want the secret to be legally protected.
Step 2: Know about standard NDA types
Know about standard NDA types. In a one-way NDA, only one party is making a disclosure. In a mutual NDA, both parties reveal confidential information.
Tip
An example of a mutual NDA might be that you reveal your soft drink recipe to a beverage company. In turn, they reveal their marketing strategy.
Step 3: Learn common NDA legal terms
Learn common NDA legal terms. The discloser and recipient are two NDA parties. A statement of reason describes the NDA's purpose.
Tip
A penalty clause is optional, and states the compensation amount for a breach of confidentiality.
Step 4: Search online for NDA examples
Search online for NDA examples. Many places, such as the Harvard Business School, make examples available. Use these samples as models when drafting your agreement.
Step 5: Buy an NDA template
Buy an NDA template from online legal services like NOLO or LegalZoom.com if not confident in your draft. Fill in the template with your confidential info.
Step 6: Go to the American Bar Association website
Go to the American Bar Association website to find a member in your state that specializes in contracts if you are still not confident creating your NDA. A good attorney will make sure that your NDA is legally binding, and you can rest certain that your trade secret is protected.
Did You Know?
Coca Cola's secret formula, code named "Merchandise 7X," is kept in a guarded Atlanta bank vault.

[@Madienzen]

Everyone under me is a nerd..

[@hazimahmed5168]

im under you

[@ninariccinoel]

That was helpful - although the last few steps weren't very necessary, but great for anyone who wants to really make sure their intellectual property is protected. Now, to find free templates that are "legit".

[@morticias5043]

But don't we need any legal stamps on the paper?

[@tellmestraight]

What about signing an NDA with a company as an independent contractor? What should I be concerned with as the independent contractor?

[@newprovidence2007]

Not an expert but maybe watch out for the penalty clause. Probably ask for a temporary NDA so you're not responsible for keeping their trade secrets for ever.

[@tellmestraight]

@@newprovidence2007 Thank you.

[@kirukim1]

@trippycat123 we know you do

[@kevico2]

@trippycat123 Man! The things people write on here to get "thumbs up"! (and the people that GIVE thumbs up)!!

[@annabelgrace1267]

7 years after your comment, you got very first like from me. We will see what happens 7 years from now.

[@grapheggspecies8907]

@@annabelgrace1267 dang it. I wanted to like your comment. I'll wait 5 more years. Btw, the future isn't that good, try not to come here.

[@annabelgrace1267]

@@grapheggspecies8907 Oh no! Really? Well, 23 hours from your comment, you got your first like...

[@Keithchan2024]

Vince McMahon should have watched this video twice

[@WhiteGhost13]

3rd

[@AJMekki]

i made all you ppl

[@livingwithbipolar]

the videos howcast posts are going downhill... and fast!

[@darkfafi]

wtf is an NDA?

[@methuzla]

NDA = Non-disclosure agreement
Often with NCA = non-circumvention agreement, to stop people sliding out of paying you.

[@crispusattucks4007]

There is a black man in this video