Scope
Describe exactly what categories of information are confidential and limit coverage to what is necessary for the transaction rather than all information exchanged.
An NDA creates contractual duties to preserve confidentiality, clarifies permitted uses, and establishes remedies such as injunctive relief or damages. It reduces ambiguity during collaboration, documents expectations for handling trade secrets or proprietary data, and can support legal claims if confidentiality is breached.
Common parties who complete NDAs and the typical reasons they use them.
NDAs suit a wide range of relationships where information must be shared but control retained; tailor scope and duration to the transaction.
Describe exactly what categories of information are confidential and limit coverage to what is necessary for the transaction rather than all information exchanged.
Provide an explicit definition of Confidential Information, including formats (oral, written, electronic), and whether marked information is treated differently.
Specify the duration of confidentiality obligations and any separate survival period for trade secrets or IP-sensitive materials.
State permitted uses, handling procedures, disclosure restrictions, and required safeguards for storing and transmitting confidential material.
List standard exclusions: publicly known information, independently developed materials, information received from third parties without breach, and compelled disclosure.
Include injunctive relief, monetary damages, liquidated damages if appropriate, and procedures for dispute resolution and governing law.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Signature Type | Electronic signature with audit trail |
| Authentication | Email plus optional SMS code |
| Attachments | Include exhibits as locked attachments |
| Notifications | Automatic reminders and completion emails |
Choose signing controls that match confidentiality risk and regulatory needs.
Ensure the platform supports exportable signed PDFs and retention policies that meet legal and internal records requirements.
Date when confidentiality obligations begin (MM/DD/YYYY).
Date or event when obligations end; define survival period.
Deadline for returning or destroying confidential materials after termination.
Time required to notify parties before permitted disclosures or transfers.
Optional periodic review dates for data minimization or retention checks.
A real estate firm needed secure tenant and investor information during closings
A healthcare provider exchanged proprietary treatment protocols with a vendor
| signNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | PandaDoc | HelloSign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo | $19/user/mo | $15/user/mo |
| Free Trial | 7-day free trial | No | No | Yes, limited | Yes, limited |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Envelope Cap | No cap | 100 envelopes/user/year | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan |