A non-disclosure agreement, or NDA, is a legal contract between two or more parties that outlines confidential information that the parties wish to share with one another. NDAs are often used in business settings, where one party might share sensitive information about their company or products with another party in order to get feedback or to allow the second party to use the information for further research.
Employers often require employees to sign NDAs as a condition of employment. This is because NDAs can help protect the employer’s confidential information and trade secrets. By signing an NDA, employees agree not to disclose any confidential information about the company to anyone else without permission. They may also be required to return any copies of confidential documents and to cease any work on related projects upon separation of employment.
There are a few key things to keep in mind when signing an NDA:
- Make sure you understand what you are agreeing to. Be sure to read the agreement carefully and ask questions if you do not understand something.
- If you have any concerns about the agreement, talk to a lawyer before signing.
- Keep in mind that violating an NDA can lead to legal action.
There are several reasons why an NDA might be necessary. For example, if a company is planning to merge with another company, they may want employees to sign an NDA to protect their confidential information. If two companies are in negotiations, they may also want to sign an NDA to protect their negotiations.
An NDA may also be required in most general employment scenarios. This occurs in situations where a company may have proprietary information or not want their competitors to have access to their clients. By signing an NDA, an employer can be protected against disclosure of information it wishes to keep secret. If an employee violates the NDA, they may face legal consequences.
If an employee violates an NDA, they could be sued by the company. This is because violating an NDA is a breach of contract. If the company wins, the employee could be ordered to pay damages.
Should you sign an NDA? It depends. Most likely, your employer is simply trying to protect their assets. In this case, there may even be a time limit on the restrictions placed on you to keep your employer’s information confidential.
However, if you have concerns about the NDA you have been presented with, make sure you speak with a lawyer as soon as possible to get your questions answered. In Pennsylvania, an employer can refuse to hire you if you refuse to sign their NDA, so it is vital that you understand what you are signing.
Bucks County Employment Lawyers at The Gold Law Firm P.C. Will Help Guide You if You Must Sign an NDA
If you are unsure of whether you should sign an NDA, or you want to make sure you know your rights before you sign, speak with one of our Bucks County employment lawyers at The Gold Law Firm P.C. to learn your options. Call us at 215-569-1999 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. With offices in Philadelphia and Pennsauken, New Jersey, we proudly serve clients in South Jersey and Southeastern Pennsylvania, including Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, Northeast Philadelphia, Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, Lehigh County, and Montgomery County.
