What is the primary purpose of a non-disclosure agreement (NDA)?

The primary purpose of a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) is to protect proprietary information from being disclosed to third parties. An NDA is a legally binding contract that establishes a confidential relationship between the parties involved. By entering into this agreement, the parties commit to safeguarding sensitive information that is shared during negotiations, business dealings, or collaboration.

This protection is critical in various contexts, such as business partnerships, mergers, or when sharing trade secrets, formulas, or client lists. Companies often rely on NDAs to secure their competitive edge and ensure that confidential information does not reach competitors or the public, which could lead to economic harm or loss of intellectual property.

Thus, the focus on ensuring confidentiality and protecting proprietary interests is what fundamentally defines the role of an NDA in business transactions.