In order to understand the process of filling out an NDA let’s first get a basic understanding of a non-disclosure agreement.

What is a non-disclosure agreement?

A non-disclosure agreement is a legally outlined document signed between two or more parties. It is signed to protect confidential information shared between the parties. All the parties included in the agreement are obligated to follow the terms and conditions of the bond. These terms and agreements are laid out in the beginning upon mutual discussion ensuring the satisfaction of all. In case of any form of betrayal, there shall be legal consequences taken against the party which is also discussed in the beginning. It contains information such as financial statements and trade secrets. There is one disclosing party giving out the information and one receiving party receiving the information. A  non-disclosure agreement is also referred to as an NDA for short and confidentiality agreements since it safeguards confidential information.

What are the different types of NDA?

The different types of NDA are as follows:

1. Unilateral NDA

2. Mutual NDA

3. Employer-Employee NDA

Unilateral NDA:

This type of NDA is one-way, meaning that in this type the confidential information is shared by only one party while the job of the other parties is only to respect the terms of the agreement and keep the information secret. The party giving out the information is called the disclosing party while the one keeping it a secret is called the receiving party. The agreement is made after mutual discussion and the consequences of the agreement are justified to all the parties. 

Mutual NDA:

A mutual NDA is one in which all parties exchange information with each other. It is a two-way agreement. All parties share information they would like to remain private while also keeping the information of others private. In case of breach of the agreement, there will be consequences. 

A mutual NDA in itself is of further two types:

1. Bilateral mutual NDA

Bilateral NDA is a type of mutual NDA in which there are two parties. Both the parties give each other confidential information that they must keep safe with themselves. Upon betrayal of any kind, the party may suffer consequences that were previously mentioned in the agreement. Legal action may also be taken against them. 

2. Multilateral mutual NDA

In multilateral NDA is the type of mutual NDA in which two or more parties are involved. Amongst these at least one is the disclosing party while others may be the receiving party. 

What is Employee-Employer agreement?

An employer-employee NDA is an NDA signed between the two. It is done during the time a new employee is hired to work for a business. Considering an employee might not have secured a permanent job or even have secured a permanent job, the business has an NDA signed since it will protect the company in case the employee decides to quit or is fired. This ensures that the confidential information remains confidential after the employee no longer works with the company yet also has an understanding of the company by knowing the information sensitive to the company. It signed with a set of terms and conditions laid out stating the consequences the employee may face in case of release of the private information of the company. 

What is the importance of a non-disclosure agreement?

An NDA is an important part of any business collaboration due to the following reasons:

1.The release of sensitive information may interfere with the proper functioning of the company.

2.It may damage the reputation of a company

3.It may invite competition after the release of business plans and trade secrets. 

What are the Components of an NDA?

In order to fill out a valid NDA easily, the following components are significant:

1. Parties

An NDA must have a defined understanding of the parties included, the disclosing party, and the receiving party. 

2. Confidential information

A clear definition of confidential information is required so that the scope of it cannot be changed in the future or altered as per convenience. It should also provide an understanding of the information being shared, why it’s confidential and why it’s being shared. 

3. Exception

There should be a mention of any situation in which the terms of the agreement can be manipulated or even breached without any consequence. For example, if the information kept confidential is already in the public domain. 

4. Terms and conditions

The agreement must speak of a defined set of terms and conditions. These may act as a set of obligations or duties the parties have towards each other. These terms and conditions may also talk about consequences a party must face in case of breaching of agreement. 

5. Validity period

The validity period of the agreement should be mentioned which will clarify how long the parties are in agreement. It can also mention a situation in which the agreement can be temporarily or permanently terminated. 

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What are the benefits of an NDA?

An NDA is beneficial due to the following reasons:

1. Since it is a legal document, it helps resolve any disputes the parties may have amongst each other as there can be legal action taken against them.
2. It protects confidential information and since it is usually a written document, nothing said can be taken back. 
3. It overall safeguards the interest of a firm by protecting financial statements, trade secrets, and business strategies. 
4. It helps create and maintain a healthy relationship between the collaborators. 

Conclusion

An NDA is a legal document signed between two or more parties. Under this agreement, there is a disclosing party giving out information that they wish to keep confidential and a receiving party that receives it and promises to keep it a secret. In case the receiving party fails to perform and keep their end of the deal, there can be legal action.

An NDA is of two types, one called unilateral in which there is only one disclosing party and others receive the information that needs to remain confidential. The second type is mutual in which all parties give as well as keep the information a secret. Mutual NDA in itself is of two types, one bilateral and the other multilateral. In bilateral, there is an agreement between only two parties while in multilateral there are more than two parties.  Another type is the employer-employee which is between the two. 
An NDA is important as it protects information and allows the parties to have a healthy relationship involving trust and loyalty. A valid NDA must include the parties part of the agreement, definition of confidential information, exceptions if any, terms and conditions of the agreement, and validity period.