Confidentiality Clause

O que é

A confidentiality clause (or standalone NDA) defines what counts as confidential information, how it may be used, who may see it, and for how long the duty lasts. It is the legal backbone for sharing sensitive commercial or technical information.

Porque é importante

Once secrets are out, an injunction or damages rarely restore the value lost. A clear clause defines the obligation precisely, supports trade-secret protection, and is often paired with a penalty to deter disclosure.

Como aplicar

• Define confidential information broadly but exclude public or independently developed data.
• Limit use to the permitted purpose and restrict onward disclosure to need-to-know.
• Set the duration and return/destruction obligations on termination.
• Consider a penalty clause to deter and quantify breaches.

Exemplo de redação

Each party shall keep the other's Confidential Information secret, use it solely for the Purpose, and disclose it only to personnel who need to know it and are bound by equivalent confidentiality obligations.

Dicas de negociação

• • Make the obligation mutual and align the duration with how long the information stays valuable.
• • A discloser should add a penalty clause; a recipient should keep standard carve-outs.

Erros frequentes

• • No carve-out for legally required disclosure, putting the recipient in an impossible position.
• • An indefinite term that is unenforceably broad for ordinary commercial data.

Referências jurídicas

• Trade Secrets Protection Act (Wet bescherming bedrijfsgeheimen)
• BW 6:248 Reasonableness and fairness Direito neerlandês

Salvo indicação em contrário, as referências remetem para o direito neerlandês (Burgerlijk Wetboek, o Código Civil neerlandês); os instrumentos da UE, como o RGPD, aplicam-se em toda a UE. Esta é informação geral, não constitui aconselhamento jurídico. Outras jurisdições tratam estes conceitos de forma diferente. Verifique o texto em vigor e a sua situação com um advogado qualificado.