What is a Confidentiality or Non-Disclosure Agreement and why is it necessary?
A Confidentiality or Non-Disclosure Agreement allows a party to discuss its confidential or proprietary information, such as unpublished data or research results, with another party that is interested in receiving the information. The agreement binds the receiving party to keep the information confidential and not disclose it to third parties. Confidentiality Agreements are necessary when a center scientist wishes to share proprietary research information with an investigator(s) at another organization, particularly a for-profit entity. Confidentiality Agreements are intended to protect the center’s ownership interest in such proprietary research information by containing terms and conditions designed to maintain its confidentiality. Without such an agreement, the recipient of the disclosed information could use or distribute the center’s proprietary information for any purpose.
