NDA red flags to check before you sign
Most NDAs are routine. Some aren't. These seven clauses are where one-sided or unusually broad NDAs usually hide.
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Red flags
Everything is confidential
Including public or already-known information.
No time limit
Perpetual obligations for ordinary information.
Penalties and injunctions
Pre-agreed damages that are out of proportion.
Read in three passes
What, how long, what else.
1
What is covered
Is 'confidential information' defined narrowly and reasonably?
2
How long
Is there an end date, or does it last forever?
3
What else
Look for non-competes, non-solicits and penalties.
Not legal advice
If an NDA restricts where you can work or who you can do business with, it's more than an NDA — get advice before signing.
Questions
Can I ask to remove a clause?+
Yes, and it's common for reasonable requests to be accepted.
Should I sign an NDA before a job interview?+
Sometimes; read what it covers first.
What does it cost?+
Free to try. Downloading your signed PDF costs €2.99 a month or €24.99 a year, and you can cancel anytime.