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Writing a Business Plan Confidentiality Statement

Free Confidentiality Statement Template (NDA)

Ayush Jalan

• December 12, 2023

Every company has a unique identity that sets it apart from its rival companies in the industry.  It is a combination of various aspects: The way you set your goals , your marketing strategy, your manufacturing process, or your entire business plan.

As crucial as it is to create a business plan that helps you stand out, it is perhaps just as crucial to protect your plan from any potential intellectual property theft. This is where a confidentiality statement for your business plan helps you safeguard your valuable assets.

A business plan confidentiality statement is a document that states that the information disclosed to the recipient can’t be disclosed to anyone outside the agreement. It is an agreement made between two parties before they enter a deal or exchange any sensitive information which is confidential.

Why Do You Need a Confidentiality Statement?

Even though trust is essential between partners or investors, there’s always a need to stay cautious while handing over your business plans. Even though the organization you plan to work with values confidentiality, everyone involved in it may not.

Your business plan is one of the most elaborate and classified documents. Before disclosing any information, the first and foremost thing is to sign a confidentiality statement. This will avoid the misuse of any information disclosed between the two parties.

How Does a Confidentiality Statement Protect You?

When a confidentiality statement is signed, it is agreed by both parties that they will not expose any of the information that is discussed or presented in the business plans. Additionally, the document should also mention the penalties in case of a violation of the agreement.

If the other party violates the statement of confidentiality, you can proceed legally and receive compensation for the damages you had to bear because of the violation. As per the contract, the compensation is paid.

The absence of a confidentiality statement is an invitation for others to use parts of your business plan. Although copyright laws can help you claim most of your information, some, still, stay unprotected.

Creating a Confidentiality Statement for the Business Plan

Most companies include a brief confidential statement on their business plan cover page. Although it is not a requirement, it delivers a quick message that the document is highly classified. Furthermore, it is essential to create an exclusive document.

To write a stringent confidentiality statement for your business plan, these are the elements that you must include:

1. Date of Effect

The date of effect is the date from which the confidentiality statement becomes active. An agreement is not valid until all the parties sign it; the date of effect follows this.

2. Parties Involved in the Agreement

It is crucial to specify the parties that will sign the agreement. If someone, you want as a part of the confidentiality statement, hasn’t signed it, they’re not bound by the clauses mentioned in the document.

For instance, two companies are getting into a contract, and the CEOs, representing the entire company, are signing the document, it is essential to mention that all employees are also bound by the agreement even when they haven’t signed it.

3. Agreement Terms

Describe and mention all the terms that both parties are agreeing to. This is a crucial part of the agreement and hence, requires confidentiality. Anything that isn’t included is not protected.

Here, you can also include that the recipient needs written consent from the disclosing party—the owner of the information, in case any information needs to be disclosed to a third party who isn’t a part of the statement of confidentiality.

4. The Non-Confidential part

Along with mentioning the confidential part of your business plan, you also mention the non-confidential part of the agreement. In most cases, there’s a lot of information that is acquired from other sources. This information won’t show under confidential.

Information relevant to the receiving party won’t list under confidential, some of these are:

• The information they owned before the agreement
• If they legally received it from another source
• The information they need to disclose in a lawsuit or administrative proceeding
• If they have developed or are developing the information.

5. Consequences in case of Agreement’s breach

Here, you mention all the legal consequences that will follow if the receiving party violates the agreement. This can include the procedure and the monetary penalties. According to the uniqueness of the information exposed, the compensation can vary.

6. Limits of the Usage of Information

The objective of a statement of confidentiality is to restrict the usage of the information that is disclosed to the recipient. Here, you mention the extent to which the information can be used. Also, specify the standard of security that needs to be followed while handling confidential information.

7. Date of Termination

Every agreement has an expiry date, after which both parties are free of the binding clauses. This termination date is set based on various factors like the end of the partnership , the end of a project or an event, or simply the end of the period mentioned in the agreement.

8. Miscellaneous Clauses

This part of the agreement is usually at the end of the document, which includes any other clauses that don’t necessarily fit into the above categories, but the owner of the information wants to include.

9. Signatures of all Parties

Clearly, this is the most important part of an agreement. Without the signatures of all the parties, the document is pointless and of no value. The agreement, as mentioned previously, can’t go into effect unless everyone involved signs it.

We have written a confidentiality statement example for you, including the above-mentioned elements. This will help you get a better understanding of how to write a confidentiality statement for your business plan.

Business Plan Confidentiality Statement Example (Key Points)

This BUSINESS PLAN NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT (hereinafter known as the “Agreement”) between ______ (hereinafter known as the “Company”) and ________ (hereinafter known as the “Recipient”) becomes effective as of this ____ day of ____, 20___ (hereinafter known as the “Effective Date”).

Article III: Term

– The Recipient’s obligations of non-use and non-disclosure concerning Confidential Information will remain in effect in perpetuity. – The Recipient’s obligations of non-use and non-disclosure concerning Confidential Information will remain in effect for ____ years from the Effective Date.

Article VIII: Governing Law

This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of ____________, without regard to conflict of law principles.

Article XII: Notices

Company’s Address ______________________________

Recipient’s Address ______________________________

Representative Signature: Date: Representative Printed Name: Representative Title:

Recipient Signature: Date: Recipient Printed Name:

Protect Your Information with a Confidentiality Statement

As a business owner, it is a duty to protect your ideas and marketing strategies . Create a confidentiality statement for your business plan and ensure that your business interests are safe and in good hands.

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About the Author

Ayush is a writer with an academic background in business and marketing. Being a tech-enthusiast, he likes to keep a sharp eye on the latest tech gadgets and innovations. When he's not working, you can find him writing poetry, gaming, playing the ukulele, catching up with friends, and indulging in creative philosophies.

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Business Plan Confidentiality Statement

A business plan serves as a comprehensive roadmap that outlines the strategic vision, objectives, and operational framework of a business venture. It encompasses critical details such as market analysis, financial projections, marketing strategies, and operational procedures, providing a comprehensive overview of the business’s objectives and trajectory. In the process of developing a business plan , entrepreneurs often encounter the necessity of safeguarding sensitive and proprietary information, prompting the inclusion of a confidentiality statement within the document. A business plan confidentiality statement is a vital component that underscores the commitment to protecting confidential information and proprietary data, ensuring that the business’s competitive edge and strategic insights remain secure and safeguarded from unauthorized disclosure or misuse.

Purpose and Scope of the Confidentiality Statement

The primary purpose of a business plan confidentiality statement is to establish a legally binding agreement between the business and the intended readers or recipients of the business plan. This agreement emphasizes the confidential nature of the information contained within the business plan and serves as a formal acknowledgment of the recipient’s responsibility to maintain the confidentiality of the proprietary data and insights shared by the business. By clearly defining the scope and parameters of confidentiality, the statement reinforces the business’s commitment to protecting its intellectual property, trade secrets, and strategic business insights from unauthorized access, distribution, or exploitation.

Key Components of a Business Plan Confidentiality Statement

A robust business plan confidentiality statement typically includes the following key components:

• Definition of Confidential Information: Clearly defining the scope of confidential information that is encompassed within the business plan, including proprietary data, financial projections, marketing strategies, operational procedures, and any other sensitive business insights that are not intended for public disclosure.
• Non-Disclosure Commitment: Outlining the recipient’s obligation to maintain strict confidentiality and refrain from disclosing, reproducing, or distributing the confidential information contained within the business plan to any external parties without the prior written consent of the business.
• Limitations on Use: Stipulating the permissible uses of the confidential information solely for the purpose of evaluating the business proposal and facilitating potential business collaborations or investment opportunities, emphasizing the restriction on using the information for personal gain or competitive advantage.
• Duration of Confidentiality: Specifying the duration of the confidentiality agreement, including the timeframe during which the recipient is obligated to maintain the confidentiality of the information, as well as any provisions for the perpetual protection of certain proprietary information beyond the termination of the business relationship.
• Legal Recourse and Remedies: Enumerating the legal remedies and consequences associated with the breach of confidentiality, including potential legal action, financial penalties, and the imposition of injunctive relief to mitigate the unauthorized dissemination or misuse of the confidential information.
• Binding Nature of the Agreement: Expressing the mutual agreement and understanding between the parties involved, highlighting the binding nature of the confidentiality agreement, and underscoring the significance of adhering to ethical business practices and professional integrity throughout the business engagement.

Ensuring Comprehensive Protection of Intellectual Property

By incorporating a well-crafted confidentiality statement within the business plan, entrepreneurs can proactively safeguard their intellectual property, trade secrets, and proprietary business insights, fostering a secure and trustworthy environment for sharing confidential information with potential investors, business partners, or stakeholders. The inclusion of a confidentiality statement not only fortifies the legal protection of sensitive data but also reinforces the business’s commitment to transparency, integrity, and ethical business conduct, fostering a culture of mutual trust and respect within the realm of business collaborations and strategic partnerships.

Examples of Confidentiality Statements For Business Plans

Here are a few examples of business plan confidentiality statements that you can use as references or templates for drafting your own business plan confidentiality agreement:

Simple Business Plan Confidentiality Statement:

“This business plan and the information contained herein are confidential and proprietary to [Company Name]. The recipient acknowledges that the information provided in this document is solely for the purpose of evaluating potential business collaborations or investment opportunities and agrees to maintain strict confidentiality. The recipient further agrees not to disclose, reproduce, or distribute any part of this business plan without the prior written consent of [Company Name]. Any unauthorized use or disclosure of this information may result in legal action and other appropriate remedies.”

Comprehensive Business Plan Confidentiality Statement:

“The contents of this business plan, including all financial, operational, and marketing data, are the sole and exclusive property of [Company Name]. The recipient acknowledges that the information provided in this document is strictly confidential and is disclosed solely for the purpose of evaluating potential business opportunities. The recipient agrees to exercise the utmost discretion in safeguarding the confidentiality of this information and to refrain from disclosing, reproducing, or disseminating any part of this business plan to any third party without the express written consent of [Company Name]. Any unauthorized use, disclosure, or distribution of this information may result in legal action, financial penalties, and injunctive relief to protect the proprietary interests of [Company Name]. This confidentiality agreement remains valid for a period of [specify duration] following the termination of any business relationship or engagement.”

Confidentiality Statement for Business Plan Presentation:

“This presentation contains confidential and proprietary information belonging to [Company Name] and is intended solely for the use of the intended recipients. The recipient acknowledges that the information provided in this presentation is of a sensitive and confidential nature and agrees to maintain the strictest confidence in safeguarding the proprietary data and insights shared herein. The recipient further agrees not to disclose, reproduce, or distribute any part of this presentation without the express written consent of [Company Name]. This confidentiality obligation extends to all discussions, materials, and information shared during or following the presentation. Violation of this confidentiality agreement may result in legal action and other appropriate remedies to protect the intellectual property and business interests of [Company Name].”

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This business plan nondisclosure agreement is between , an individual , a(n) (the " Disclosing Party ") and , an individual , a(n) (the " Receiving Party ").

The Disclosing Party has created a business plan for  (the " Business Plan" ), which contains certain confidential and proprietary information. The Disclosing Party wants to make the Business Plan available to the Receiving Party for the purpose of .

The Receiving Party will review, examine, inspect, or obtain the Business Plan only for the above-described purposes, and to otherwise maintain the confidentiality of that Business Plan pursuant to the terms of this agreement.

The parties therefore agree as follows:

1.   CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION.

The Disclosing Party shall provide a copy of the Business Plan to the Receiving Party within  days of the signing of this agreement. In conjunction with its delivery of the Business Plan, the Disclosing Party may (but is not required to) disclose certain of its confidential and proprietary information to the Receiving Party. " Confidential Information " means:

• (i) provided or shown to the Receiving Party or its directors, officers, employees, agents, and representatives (each a " Receiving Party Representative ") by or on behalf of the Disclosing Party or its directors, officers, employees, agents, and representatives (each a " Disclosing Party Representative "); or
• (ii) obtained by the Receiving Party or a Receiving Party Representative from review of the Business Plan, or other documents or property of, or communications with, the Disclosing Party or a Disclosing Party Representative; and
• (b) all notes, analyses, compilations, studies, summaries, and other material, whether provided orally, in writing, or by any other media, that contain or are based on all or part of the information described in subsection (a) (the " Derivative Materials ").

The Disclosing Party shall identify Confidential Information disclosed orally as confidential within  days of disclosure. The Disclosing Party's failure to identify information as Confidential Information is not an acknowledgment or admission by the Disclosing Party that that information is not confidential, and is not a waiver by the Disclosing Party of any of its rights with respect to that information.

2.   OBLIGATION TO MAINTAIN CONFIDENTIALITY.

• A. a Receiving Party Representative who needs to know the Confidential Information for the purposes
• of its business with the Disclosing Party; and
• B. a Receiving Party Representative who signs a confidentiality agreement; and
• C. with the Disclosing Party's prior written authorization; or
• (ii) use the Confidential Information for any purposes other than those contemplated by this agreement.
• (b) Term.  The Receiving Party shall, and shall require each Receiving Party Representative to, maintain the confidentiality and security of the Disclosing Party's Business Plan and other Confidential Information until the earlier of: (i) such time as the Business Plan and all Confidential Information of the Disclosing Party disclosed under this agreement becomes publicly known and is made generally available through no action or inaction of the Receiving Party or (ii) the third anniversary of the disclosure. However, to the extent that the Disclosing Party has disclosed information to the Receiving Party that constitutes a trade secret under law, the Receiving Party shall protect that trade secret for as long as the information qualifies as a trade secret.

3.   EXCLUSIONS.

The obligations and restrictions of this agreement do not apply to that part of the Confidential Information that:

• (a) was or becomes publically available other than as a result of a disclosure by the Receiving Party in violation of this agreement;
• (i) the source of such information is not bound by a confidentiality agreement with the Disclosing Party or is not otherwise prohibited from transmitting the information to the Receiving Party or a Receiving Party Representative by a contractual, legal, fiduciary, or other obligation; and
• (ii) the Receiving Party provides the Disclosing Party with written notice of such prior possession either (A) before the execution and delivery of this agreement or (B) if the Receiving Party later becomes aware (through disclosure to the Receiving Party) of any aspect of the Business Plan or other Confidential Information as to which the Receiving Party had prior possession, promptly on the Receiving Party so becoming aware; or
• (i) provide the Disclosing Party with prompt notice of any such request or requirement before disclosure so that the Disclosing Party may seek an appropriate protective order or other appropriate remedy; and
• (ii) provide reasonable assistance to the Disclosing Party in obtaining any such protective order.
• If a protective order or other remedy is not obtained or the Disclosing Party grants a waiver under this agreement, then the Receiving Party may furnish that portion (and only that portion) of the Business Plan or other Confidential Information that, in the written opinion of counsel reasonably acceptable to the Disclosing Party, the Receiving Party is legally compelled or otherwise required to disclose. The Receiving Party shall make reasonable efforts to obtain reliable assurance that confidential treatment will be accorded any part of the Business Plan or any Confidential Information so disclosed; or
• (d) was developed by the Receiving Party independently without breach of this agreement.

4.   RETURN OF PROPERTY.

If the Disclosing Party requests, the Receiving Party shall and shall cause each Receiving Party Representative to promptly (and no later than  days after the request):

• (a) return all Confidential Information and the Business Plan to the Disclosing Party; and
• (b) destroy all Derivative Material and within days of this destruction, provide a written certificate to the Disclosing Party confirming this destruction.

5.   NO PUBLICITY.

The parties shall keep the existence of this agreement, and the transactions or discussions contemplated by this agreement, strictly confidential, except as required by law and except as the parties otherwise may agree in writing before a disclosure.

6.   OWNERSHIP RIGHTS.

The Receiving Party acknowledges that the Business Plan and Confidential Information are, and at all times will be, the Disclosing Party's sole property, even if suggestions made by the Receiving Party are incorporated into later versions of the Business Plan. The Receiving Party obtains no rights by license or otherwise in the Business Plan or other Confidential Information under this agreement. Neither party solicits any change in the other party's organization, business practice, service, or products, and the disclosure of the Business Plan or other Confidential Information may not be construed as evidencing any intent by a party to purchase any products or services of the other party or as an encouragement to expend funds in development or research efforts. The Business Plan or other Confidential Information may pertain to prospective or unannounced products. The Receiving Party may not use the Business Plan or other Confidential Information as a basis on which to develop or have a third party develop a competing or similar plan or undertaking.

7.   GOVERNING LAW; EQUITABLE RELIEF.

• (a) Choice of Law. The laws of the state of govern this agreement (without giving effect to its conflicts of law principles).
• (b) Choice of Forum. Both parties consent to the personal jurisdiction of the state and federal courts in County, .
• (c) Equitable Relief. A breach of this agreement will cause irreparable harm to the Disclosing Party and monetary damages may not be a sufficient remedy for an unauthorized disclosure of the Business Plan or other Confidential Information. If the Receiving Party discloses the Business Plan or other Confidential Information in violation of this agreement, the Disclosing Party may, without waiving any other rights or remedies and without posting a bond or other security, seek an injunction, specific performance, or other equitable remedy to prevent competition or further disclosure, and may pursue other legal remedies.

8.   AMENDMENTS.

No amendment to this agreement will be effective unless it is in writing and signed by a party or its authorized representative.

9.   ASSIGNMENT AND DELEGATION.

• (a) No Assignment. Neither party may assign any of its rights under this agreement, except with the prior written consent of the other party. All voluntary assignments of rights are limited by this subsection.
• (b) No Delegation. Neither party may delegate any performance under this agreement, except with the prior written consent of the other party.
• (c) Enforceability of an Assignment or Delegation. If a purported assignment or purported delegation is made in violation of this section, it is void.

10.   COUNTERPARTS;  ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES.

• (a) Counterparts. The parties may execute this agreement in any number of counterparts, each of which is an original but all of which constitute one and the same instrument.
• (b) Electronic Signatures. This agreement, agreements ancillary to this agreement, and related documents entered into in connection with this agreement are signed when a party's signature is delivered by facsimile, email, or other electronic medium. These signatures must be treated in all respects as having the same force and effect as original signatures.

11.   SEVERABILITY.

If any provision in this agreement is, for any reason, held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any respect, that invalidity, illegality, or unenforceability will not affect any other provisions of this agreement, but this agreement will be construed as if the invalid, illegal, or unenforceable provisions had never been contained in this agreement, unless the deletion of those provisions would result in such a material change that would cause completion of the transactions contemplated by this agreement to be unreasonable.

12.   NOTICES.

• (a) Writing; Permitted Delivery Methods . Each party giving or making any notice, request, demand, or other communication required or permitted by this agreement shall give that notice in writing and use one of the following types of delivery, each of which is a writing for purposes of this agreement: personal delivery, mail (registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return-receipt requested), nationally recognized overnight courier (fees prepaid), facsimile, or email.
• (b) Addresses. A party shall address notices under this section to a party at the following addresses:
• If to the Disclosing Party:
• If to the Receiving Party:
• (c) Effectiveness.  A notice is effective only if the party giving notice complies with subsections (a) and (b) and if the recipient receives the notice.

13.   WAIVER.

No waiver of a breach, failure of any condition, or any right or remedy contained in or granted by the provisions of this agreement will be effective unless it is in writing and signed by the party waiving the breach, failure, right, or remedy. No waiver of any breach, failure, right, or remedy will be deemed a waiver of any other breach, failure, right, or remedy, whether or not similar, and no waiver will constitute a continuing waiver, unless the writing so specifies.

14.   ENTIRE AGREEMENT.

This agreement constitutes the final agreement of the parties. It is the complete and exclusive expression of the parties' agreement with respect to the subject matter of this agreement. All prior and contemporaneous communications, negotiations, and agreements between the parties relating to the subject matter of this agreement are expressly merged into and superseded by this agreement. The provisions of this agreement may not be explained, supplemented, or qualified by evidence of trade usage or a prior course of dealings. Neither party was induced to enter this agreement by, and neither party is relying on, any statement, representation, warranty, or agreement of the other party except those set forth expressly in this agreement. Except as set forth expressly in this agreement, there are no conditions precedent to this agreement's effectiveness.

15.   HEADINGS .

The descriptive headings of the sections and subsections of this agreement are for convenience only, and do not affect this agreement's construction or interpretation.

16.   EFFECTIVENESS.

This agreement will become effective when all parties have signed it. The date this agreement is signed by the last party to sign it (as indicated by the date associated with that party's signature) will be deemed the date of this agreement.

17.   NECESSARY ACTS; FURTHER ASSURANCES.

Each party and its officers and directors shall use all reasonable efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions necessary or desirable to consummate and make effective the transactions this agreement contemplates or to evidence or carry out the intent and purposes of this agreement.

[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]

Each party is signing this agreement on the date stated opposite that party's signature.

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Business Confidentiality Statement

Its a tool that businesses use when they discuss their business plan with others who will be given information that the company wishes to keep a secret. 3 min read updated on February 01, 2023

A business confidentiality statement is a tool that businesses use when they discuss their business plan with others who will be given information that the company values or wishes to keep a secret. In essence, it is a document that states that when a company's business plan is seen, they will not be able to discuss the contents of it with anyone outside of the agreement.

Confidentiality statements may also be referred to as non-disclosure statements that sales representative and other employees often sign but are typically used in regards to exposure to a company's business plan. They are intended to provide protection for both parties involved in a business plan or transaction.

How Can a Confidentiality Statement Protect You?

In every confidentiality agreement, there should be a provision that states that both parties will not disclose any of the information they are about to discuss or see in a business plan. In addition to that, there should also be a provision that covers damages which will occur in the event that a party breaches the agreement. This is often a place to list the monetary liability the party may be sued for.

If you do not have a confidentiality agreement in place when you write your business plan, then you are opening the door for anyone who sees your business plan to use parts of it without your permission. While copyright law may protect a large amount of it, not all of it will be protected.

If you do have a confidentiality agreement in place and someone does breach it , you will be entitled to some form of compensation and be able to possibly obtain a judgment from the breaching party. If you do not have an agreement in place, the courts are not likely to give you any damages if someone were to steal your idea.

When Do You Need a Confidentiality Agreement?

It is good practice to have a confidentiality agreement anytime that you make a business plan. Some of the benefits of having a confidentiality agreement include:

• You can make sure that your financial information stays private.
• You can protect your ides even though the plan may need to be seen by multiple parties.

You should request a signed confidentiality agreement when showing your business plan to anyone, even to a bank. Even though they work for an organization that values confidentiality, it does not mean that everyone working there will be ethical. Always make sure the agreement is signed before handing the business plan over.

Confidentiality Statement Business Plan

The downside of requiring a confidentiality agreement for your business is that it may turn off investors as it can signal distrust. They may feel that you think they plan on stealing your idea and may not be comfortable providing funds for the investment. Other reasons that you may choose not to use a confidentiality agreement include:

• It can make it seem as though you are a novice.
• Some people may find it offensive.
• You may not be able to secure funding and keep it confidential.

Who Signs a Confidentiality Statement of a Business Plan?

In typical fashion, confidentiality agreements would precede or accompany a business plan submission. When requiring the signing of a confidentiality agreement, you should require signing by anyone who you anticipate will see the plan to ensure the information contained in it is confidential.

Considerations

There are some considerations that need to be made before deciding to use a confidentiality agreement. The first is that your confidentiality agreement is not only protecting an invention, but it also should be used to protect:

• Business ideas.
• Strategies.

Until you have received financing or the investment you need to get your business started, anyone will be able to create an identical business without having to ask permission.

It is also important when drafting a confidentiality agreement that it is simply stated and clearly outlines what needs to be protected and what can occur if the agreement is violated. The agreement should be non-intimidating in its verbiage. you can use this agreement for anyone who you may be in contact with about your business before it is stared such as financers, clients, and potential vendors.

If you need help with a business confidentiality statement, you can post your legal need on UpCounsel's marketplace. UpCounsel accepts only the top 5 percent of lawyers to its site. Lawyers on UpCounsel come from law schools such as Harvard Law and Yale Law and average 14 years of legal experience, including work with or on behalf of companies like Google, Menlo Ventures, and Airbnb.

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Content Approved by UpCounsel

• Confidentiality Agreement
• Purpose of a Confidentiality Agreement
• Confidentiality Contracts
• Penalty for Breach of Confidentiality
• How to Draft a Confidentiality Agreement
• Drafting Confidentiality Agreements: What You Need to Know
• Confidentiality Clause Sample
• Confidentiality Agreement Law
• Confidentiality Agreement for Business Partners
• Confidentiality Agreement Consideration

Business Plan Confidentiality Agreement

A business plan confidentiality agreement (or NDA) is used when sharing a business idea or plan with consultants, investors, or anyone else that is evaluating your business. It establishes what information cannot be shared and prevents any misunderstandings. This confidentiality agreement is used as a legally binding document with the parties that are meeting each other. It will help establish definitions about trade secrets and when information can be shared.

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The Importance of a Business Plan NDA

Risks of not using it, what to include in a business plan non-disclosure agreement.

Even when a business is new, there can still be plans or ideas that can be stolen. Having an NDA agreement for a business plan prevents your unique ideas from being misused by another party.

As with any confidentiality agreement, a business plan NDA will keep your information safe. You will know that your business idea will not be used by someone else. Your plan may have potential trade secrets and other company secrets that you do not want public. A statement of confidentiality will prevent that from happening.

Using a business plan disclosure agreement can prepare you for using NDAs for your business career, both with third parties and employees. Many businesses have trade secrets and confidential information that you want to control the release of. Using the nda template from the beginning will help your business establish good practices.

A business plan covers many different ideas and aspects of running a business. Marketing, competition, and finances are all included. This is valuable information that you want to protect, in many cases for the entire time you are running your business.

Business plans cover a lot of important information that you will want to protect, oftentimes for the entire time it’s operating. Keeping these plans safe will help your business have a successful start and continue to grow.

Aspects of your business plans that you will want to be protected by a business plan confidentiality agreement include market analysis and strategy, list of competitors, staffing and employee plans, and financial data.

This research and planning cover not only your business idea but what you have discovered about other businesses in a similar market. These plans can be protected with a non-disclosure agreement for a business plan to help you keep the right information safe.

When you don’t use a business plan confidentiality agreement you have the risk of your business idea being used or sold without your permission. It would be a shame if all of the time and energy that you spent on developing just the right ideas were used by someone else. Business plans being stolen is a real threat and you want to protect yourself from it.

If the worst-case scenario occurs and the business idea is stolen from you, a business plan confidentiality agreement will also give you recourse options, including compensation. It will save you time and money to establish what information was publicly known and what was revealed during the business plan meeting.

With a confidentiality agreement, all parties have agreed to what information was not allowed to be shared, making getting legal help easier. There will be less confusion with NDAs signed before any confidential information is shared.

A business plan non-disclosure agreement should include many similar aspects of other statements of confidentiality. These agreements define the terms of what is confidential and what can happen if there is a breach of contract.

1. Define Confidential Information

The first item to include in a non-disclosure agreement for a business plan is to define confidential information and how it applies in this document. It can include revenue predictions, spending plans, and predicted future trends among many other aspects of running a business. Without these terms being defined.

2. The Agreement of Confidentiality

The next item to include is the agreement of confidentiality on the receiving parties. This includes talking about what is the meeting, making copies of any documents, or making commercials from the topics discussed. This will also cover how the receiving party will handle being asked about confidential information.

In cases where documents and materials are being shared, a confidentiality agreement will also disclose that these materials be returned within a time frame. The receiving party cannot make copies or share this information without the consent of the business owner.

3. Exclusions

Exclusions are included in a business plan confidentiality agreement to cover what the receiving party already knew before the agreement, if information becomes public knowledge, or is available through other sources legally.

4. Duration

A non-disclosure agreement for a business plan also covers how long the agreement is in effect. This can be until a specified date or certain provisions are met, such as being released from the confidentiality agreement or the information stops being a trade secret.

5. Courts and Contracts

A statement of confidentiality will also include general provisions about if the agreement is determined to be void by a court and an agreement that the current contract supersedes previous contracts and agreements.

6. Legal Ramifications

Legal ramifications for a breach of the confidentiality agreement are also included. This can include legal action and pay for legal fees. These fees will be paid to the disclosing party or business owner, from the receiving party to cover damages and loss of business from the broken contract.

Once the business plan confidentiality agreement is signed and dated, the contract is placed into effect unless otherwise made void.

When drafting a confidentiality agreement for a business idea, you want to use the right language and organize it correctly. They can cover a lot of information and you want to ensure that all the right information is accounted for to protect your business plans.

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Home Business Non-Disclosure Agreement Confidentiality

Confidentiality Agreement Template

Use our Confidentiality Agreement to protect your sensitive information.

Updated January 2, 2024 Written by Josh Sainsbury | Reviewed by Brooke Davis

Use a confidentiality agreement if you need a party to keep specific information disclosed for a certain period or as long as the relationship with that party lasts, whether as a business or between individuals.

What is a Confidentiality Agreement?

Types of confidentiality agreements, when should i use a confidentiality agreement, what does a confidentiality agreement protect, what to include in a confidentiality agreement, confidentiality agreement sample, frequently asked questions.

A confidentiality agreement is a legally binding contract to protect confidential or proprietary information shared between businesses or individuals.

The parties agree not to disclose the information outlined in the agreement for the duration of the relationship or a specified period.

• Mutual: used when both parties disclose and receive information that must remain confidential.
• Unilateral: used when one party discloses confidential information (disclosing party) while the other party receives and promises to keep the information confidential (receiving party).

If you and another individual or business wish to pursue a relationship that requires disclosing confidential information, you should use a confidentiality agreement. For example, if you’re engaging with:

• Employees: New hires should sign an employee confidentiality agreement or a specified period after termination.
• Independent contractors: Prevent independent contractors from sharing sensitive information with competitors.
• Consulting firms: Ensure your internal information is safeguarded during and after an audit.
• Businesses:   Protect your proprietary information when pursuing joint ventures, partnerships, mergers, and acquisitions.
• Interviewees: Protect the information shared with a candidate during the interview process with an interview confidentiality agreement .

If you’ve been asked to enter into a non-disclosure agreement, it’s essential to understand when you should (and shouldn’t) sign an NDA .

A confidentiality agreement protects any information you’ve categorized as confidential in your form:

• Marketing strategies : long- and short-term plans for marketing a company’s products and services to customers
• Product plans : every stage of product development from ideation and beta testing to product launch
• Financial information : all documentation and procedures that make up a company’s finances, including forecasts, reports, taxes, expenditures, profits, losses, and more
• Source code : original code created by programmers employed or contracted by the company
• Intellectual property : copyrights, patents, and trade secrets developed or purchased by the company

A standard confidentiality agreement should include the following information:

• Receiving and Disclosing Party : If either party is a business, you’ll need to specify which type (LLC, corporation, etc.) and where it was formed, as well as include a representative’s name, title, and contact information.
• Confidential Information : Specify the types of confidential information the agreement protects
• Non-Compete Clause : Decide whether or not to include a non-compete clause, and specify when the non-compete period ends.
• Non-Solicitation Clause : Restrict the receiving party from hiring your employees for some time by including a non-solicitation clause.
• Term: Outline how long the agreement will last — this is often how long the potential business relationship is.
• Duration : Define how long the receiving party must maintain confidentiality after the agreement ends.
• Jurisdiction : Establish which state’s laws will govern the agreement.
• Effective Date : Decide when the agreement goes into effect.

Here’s what a standard confidentiality agreement looks like:

How do I ensure my confidentiality agreement form is valid?

Although state laws differ, your confidentiality agreement form will be legally binding and enforceable if:

• It’s signed and dated by both the receiving and disclosing party
• The confidential information defined in the agreement is unavailable to the public
• The scope of the agreement is not overly broad
• An item listed as confidential, such as a product design, cannot be developed or replicated easily without access to the designs.

Just because the document is valid doesn’t mean the other party will adhere to it. Understand what to do if someone breaks your NDA .

Can confidentiality agreements be indefinite?

Yes, confidentiality agreements can be indefinite. Even if there’s a definite term, the obligations of the agreement can be stated to go on indefinitely.

However, most signatories to the agreement would prefer the document to expire at some point.

How long should a confidentiality agreement last?

A confidentiality agreement should last as long as you require the information to be confidential. Typical time frames are between one and five years, but they can be as long as needed.

The agreement should last an appropriate length of time to cover the disclosing party’s interests.

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The document above is a sample. Please note that the language you see here may change depending on your answers to the document questionnaire.

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Business Plan Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)

The business plan non-disclosure agreement is intended for use when sharing a business plan with consultants, investors, contractors, potential employees, and anyone else evaluating your planned enterprise. Regardless of the size or complexity of your plan, it is likely to include confidential information that hopefully gives you an advantage over competitors. Such information could include your marketing plan, revenue forecast, and capital spending. Note, if you use an NDA with your business plan with one person, you must use NDAs for all who read it, and you should mark the plan as “confidential.”

Product Development NDA – Use when consulting with third (3rd) parties about a potential invention and its use and functionality.

BUSINESS PLAN NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT   This agreement (the “Agreement”) between _________________ (the “Disclosing Party”) and _________________ (the “Receiving Party”) is effective _________________ and is intended to prevent the unauthorized disclosure of Confidential Information (as defined below) contained in and relating to the business plan of Disclosing Party. The parties agree as follows: 1. Confidential Information “Confidential Information” is proprietary trade secret information contained within and relating to Disclosing Party’s business plan including but not limited to: business description, marketing plan, sales revenue forecast, profit and loss forecast, capital spending plan, cash flow forecast, future trends, personnel plan, business goals, personal financial statement, supporting documents and information conveyed in writing or in discussion that is indicated to be confidential. 2. Non-Disclosure Receiving Party will treat Confidential Information with the same degree of care and safeguards that it takes with its own Confidential Information, but in no event less than a reasonable degree of care. Without Disclosing Party’s prior written consent, Receiving Party will not: (a)  disclose Confidential Information to any third party; (b)  make or permit to be made copies or other reproductions of Confidential Information; or (c)  make any commercial use of Confidential Information. Receiving Party will carefully restrict access to Confidential Information to those of its officers, directors and employees who are subject to non-disclosure restrictions at least as protective as those set forth in this Agreement and who clearly need such access to participate on Receiving Party’s behalf in the analysis and negotiation of a business relationship or any contract or agreement with Disclosing Party. Receiving Party will advise each officer, director or employee to whom it provides access to any Confidential Information that they are prohibited from using it or disclosing it to others without Disclosing Party’s prior written consent. 3. Return of Business Plan Materials Upon Disclosing Party’s request, Receiving Party shall within 30 days return all original materials provided by Disclosing Party and any copies, notes or other documents in Receiving Party’s possession pertaining to Confidential Information. 4. Exclusions This agreement does not apply to any information that: (a)  was in Receiving Party’s possession or was known to Receiving Party, without an obligation to keep it confidential, before such information was disclosed to Receiving Party by Disclosing Party; (b)  is or becomes public knowledge through a source other than Receiving Party and through no fault of Receiving Party; (c)  is or becomes lawfully available to Receiving Party from a source other than Disclosing Party; or (d)  is disclosed by Receiving Party with Disclosing Party’s prior written approval. 5. Term This Agreement and Receiving Party’s duty to hold Confidential Information in confidence shall remain in effect until _________________ or until whichever of the following occurs first: (a)  Disclosing Party sends Receiving Party written notice releasing it from this Agreement, or (b)  Confidential Information disclosed under this Agreement ceases to be a trade secret. 6. No Rights Granted This Agreement does not constitute a grant or an intention or commitment to grant any right, title or interest in Confidential Information to Receiving Party. 7. Warranty Disclosing Party warrants that it has the right to make the disclosures under this Agreement. 8. General Provisions (a)  Relationships.  Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be deemed to constitute either party a partner, joint venturer or employee of the other party for any purpose. (b)  Severability.  If a court finds any provision of this Agreement invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this Agreement shall be interpreted so as best to effect the intent of the parties. (c)  Integration.  This Agreement expresses the complete understanding of the parties with respect to the subject matter and supersedes all prior proposals, agreements, representations and understandings. This Agreement may not be amended except in a writing signed by both parties. (d)  Waiver.   The failure to exercise any right provided in this Agreement shall not be a waiver of prior or subsequent rights. (e)  Injunctive Relief.  Any misappropriation of Confidential Information in violation of this Agreement may cause Disclosing Party irreparable harm, the amount of which may be difficult to ascertain, and therefore Receiving Party agrees that Disclosing Party shall have the right to apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for an order enjoining any such further misappropriation and for such other relief as Disclosing Party deems appropriate. This right of Disclosing Party is to be in addition to the remedies otherwise available to Disclosing Party. (f)   Indemnity.  Receiving Party agrees to indemnify Disclosing Party against any and all losses, damages, claims or expenses incurred or suffered by Disclosing Party as a result of Receiving Party’s breach of this Agreement. ( g)  Attorney Fees and Expenses.   In a dispute arising out of or related to this Agreement, the prevailing party shall have the right to collect from the other party its reasonable attorney fees and costs and necessary expenditures. (h)  Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed in accordance with the laws of the State of _________________. (i)   Jurisdiction.   The parties consent to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the federal and state courts located in _________________ in any action arising out of or relating to this Agreement. The parties waive any other venue to which either party might be entitled by domicile or otherwise. ( j)   Successors & Assigns . This Agreement shall bind each party’s heirs, successors and assigns. Receiving Party may not assign or transfer its rights or obligations under this Agreement without the prior written consent of Disclosing Party. However, no consent is required f­or an assignment or transfer that occurs: (a) to an entity in which Receiving Party owns more than fifty percent of the assets; or (b) as part of a transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of Receiving Party to any party. Any assignment or transfer in violation of this section shall be void.   Disclosing Party: _____________________________________________ (Signature) _____________________ (Typed or Printed Name) Title: _____________________ Date: _____________________   Receiving Party: _____________________________________________ (Signature) _____________________ (Typed or Printed Name) Title: _____________________ Date: _____________________

How to Write

EXPLANATION FOR BUSINESS PLAN NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT

Below we provide an explanation for each of the provisions of the Business Plan Non-Disclosure Agreement.

Introductory Paragraph

Fill in your company name (you are the disclosing party).  Fill in the name of the outside individual or company being granted access to your trade secrets (the Receiving Party). Finally, fill in the date the agreement will take effect. This can be the date it’s signed or a date in the future.

1. Confidential Information

This section defines what is protected against disclosure. Keep in mind that if you are disclosing information in conjunction with the plan, you should designate that information as confidential. If the information is spoken, you should announce the confidentiality.

2. Non-Disclosure

This clause makes clear that your trade secrets must be kept in confidence by the receiving party and may not be revealed to others without your prior written consent.

3. Return of Business Plan Materials

Here, the receiving party promises to return your business plan and related materials provided by your company, as well as copies, notes, and documents pertaining to the business plan. The agreement gives the receiving party 30 days to return the materials, but you can change this time period if you wish.

4. Exclusions

This provision describes all the types of information that are not covered by the agreement. These exclusions are based on court decisions and state trade secret laws that say these types of information do not qualify for trade secret protection.

This clause provides the receiving party with an expiration date for the agreement. The Agreement should last as long as the information is likely to remain a trade secret. Five years is a common period, but it can be much shorter, even as little as six months. In Internet and technology businesses, the time period may need to be shorter because of the fast pace of innovation.

6. No Rights Granted

This clause makes clear that you are not granting any ownership rights in the confidential informat­ion to the receiving party.

7. Warranty

A warranty is a promise. Here, you promise the receiving party that you have the right to disclose the information. This is intended to assure the receiving party that it won’t be sued by some third party claiming that the trade secrets belonged to it and that you had no right to reveal them to the receiving party.

8. General Provisions

These miscellaneous provisions (often referred to as “boilerplate”) are often grouped together at the end of an agreement.

Relationships . Most agreements include a provision like this one, disclaiming any relationship other than that defined in the agreement.

Severability . The severability clause provides that if you wind up in a lawsuit over the agreement and a court rules that one part of the agreement is invalid, that part can be cut out and the rest of the agreement will remain valid.

Integration . The integration provision verifies that the version you are signing is the final version and that neither of you can rely on statements made in the past.

Waiver . This provision states that even if you don’t promptly complain about a violation of the NDA, you still have the right to complain about it later.

Injunctive Relief . An injunction is a court order directing a person to do (or stop doing) something. If someone violated your NDA, you would want a court order directing that person to stop using your secrets.

Indemnity . Some NDAs require the receiving party to pay for all damages (lost profits, attorney fees or other expenses) incurred by the other party as a result of the receiving party’s breach of the non-disclosure agreement. This obligation is known as indemnification. Leaving out the indemnity provision does not prevent you from suing and collecting damages for a breach (contract law holds the receiving party responsible for a breach), but the clause makes it easier to claim damages.

Attorney Fees and Expenses. If you don’t include an attorney fees clause in your agreement, a judge may (in most states) order the award of attorney fees in cases where the theft of the trade secret was willful and malicious. It’s up to the judge, which makes things unpredictable. You are far better off using an attorney fees provision. However, don’t be surprised if the other party is opposed to the idea. Why? Because it is the receiving party that is usually sued, not vice-versa, and the receiving party may believe that the provision will encourage you to litigate.

Governing Law . You can choose any state’s laws to govern the agreement, regardless of where you live or where the agreement is signed. Most businesses favor the state where their headquarters are located.

Jurisdiction . The purpose of adding a jurisdiction provision to an NDA is to get each party to consent in advance to jurisdiction in one county or state and to give up the right to sue or be sued anywhere else.

Successors and Assigns . This provision binds any company that acquires either party.

Signing the agreement. Someone with the necessary authority must sign the agreement on behalf of each party. Each party should sign two copies and keep one. This way, both parties have an original signed agreement.

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> Uses of Business Confidentiality Agreement

• For the employees to safeguard the company secrets
• For the financial institutions to protect the financial details of a company
• For vendors to ensure certain company information is safe
• For two or more parties planning to merge their business

> Benefits of Business Confidentiality Agreement

• It can be drafted as per the requirement and preference of the business organization
• The agreement spells out all the information clearly, thus ensuring that there is no confusion as to what is considered confidential
• It warns the signing party about the consequences in case there is a breach of the agreement
• Considered to be a valid proof in the court of law, it can be helpful in case of a dispute

> How to Draft a Business Confidentiality Agreement

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